Property estimated to be worth millions of naira has been destroyed in three separate fire outbreaks recorded in parts of Anambra State.
The incidents occurred between Monday and Tuesday in Awka and Onitsha, affecting a commercial bank, a bookshop and a one-storey building containing several shops.
The affected properties included Keystone Bank along Port Harcourt Road in Fegge, Onitsha; a bookshop building on Venin Ezeani Street, Awada, Onitsha; and a commercial building along Ifite Road, Amaenyi, Awka.
The state fire service confirmed the incidents on Wednesday, saying no life was lost or injury recorded.
According to the fire service chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, firefighters responded promptly to the incidents and prevented the flames from spreading to nearby buildings.
The fire at Keystone Bank reportedly affected the bank’s network equipment room. Chiketa attributed the incident to a power surge.
Inside Anambra state:
One-Way Driver Killed Pedestrian in Anambra
Mother, Prophetess Arrested in Anambra Over Alleged ₦2.9m Baby Sale
Police Intensify Surveillance Patrols to Strengthen Security in Anambra
At the commercial building in Awka, the fire started around midnight and affected two shops on the first floor of the building, which contained about 10 shops. Roofing materials, parts of the walls and goods stored inside the affected shops were damaged.
The fire service suspected an electrical fault, possibly involving an electric iron that had been left plugged in and overheated.
The bookshop fire in Awada was reported at about 7:35am. Firefighters also contained the outbreak, although its cause had not been determined as of the time of the report.
Chiketa urged residents and business owners to observe basic fire safety measures, avoid leaving electrical appliances unattended and report emergencies promptly to firefighters.
About The Author
