By Izunna Okafor, Awka
It was an emotional moment on Saturday, March 29, 2025, as the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi visited the scenes of the devastating fire incident that razed down many goods, houses and other property at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State.
It would be recalled that a heavy inferno, on Friday, befell and ravaged the Electronics Market at Iweka Road and a warehouse at Ifejirika Street (Main Market), resulting in huge loss of goods worth several billions of naira. The fire, was, however, fiercely battled and brought under control by the gallant officers of the Anambra State Fire Service.
Visiting the scene on Saturday, Obi, a former Governor of the State, toured the affected areas amidst cheers, and expressed deep sorrow over the destruction, emphasizing the hardship traders are facing during these tough economic times. He also held private meetings with market leaders and some of the worst-hit traders, listening to their concerns and pledging support to help assuage and ameliorate the effects of the inferno, the cause of which is yet to be identified.
Taking to his verified X (Twitter) handle shortly after the visit, Obi, who pledged his own “modest support”, also appealed the Government at all levels, as well as corporate bodies and private individuals to assist the victims in any way possible.
He commended the State Fire Service for their efforts in containing the blaze despite facing logistical challenges.
He wrote:
A Heartbreaking Moment as I visit the Scene of Tragedy
Today, I visited the burnt electronics market at Iweka Road and the devastated warehouse at Ifejirika Street (Main market), Onitsha in Anambra State.
It was a deeply painful experience to witness the enormous loss suffered by traders at such a challenging time. Without a doubt, several billions of naira worth of goods and properties were lost. The scale of the destruction was overwhelming.
I held private meetings with the leadership of both markets, as well as with some of the traders most severely affected by the inferno. I thank the State Fire Service for their efforts in containing the spread of the fire, despite the obvious challenges.
I sincerely appeal to the Government at all levels: Local Government, Council, State Government, Federal Government, Corporate bodies, and Private Individuals to extend assistance by any means possible to the victims at this difficult time.
In my own modest way, I intend to offer my modest support.
In moments like this, our shared humanity must prevail. Let us come together to restore hope, rebuild livelihoods, and reaffirm the spirit of community that defines us.
Watch the videos below:
