By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A heavy fire outbreak has once again rocked Onitsha, Anambra State, causing panic among residents and business owners in the area. The incident occurred at Ifejika Street, by Sokoto Road, Onitsha, in the early hours of Friday, March 28, 2025.
According to the Anambra State Fire Service, a distress call was received at around 6:20 am, prompting the immediate deployment of firemen to the scene. The Fire Service, through its Media and Publicity Unit, confirmed that the intervention commenced swiftly, assuring the public that the situation is under control.
In an update from the scene and accompanying videos from the scene, the Fire Service disclosed that its firefighters are still working tirelessly to completely put out the fire. Four firefighting trucks have been deployed to the location, with firemen making frantic efforts to contain the situation. The agency also acknowledged the presence and assistance of sister agencies and members of the public, who have been actively supporting the firefighters on the ground.
Some eyewitnesses also alleged in some videos that residential buildings and warehouses around the Onitsha Main Market and its environs were also affected by the fire, with many goods and property destroyed.
The Fire Service, however, urged the public to remain calm, stressing that they are doing everything possible to prevent further damage. It reiterated its commitment to being at the service of the people, especially when alerted on time.
This latest fire outbreak comes barely two days after another inferno struck the bustling Iweka Road area of Onitsha, near the popular Ochanja Market. The previous incident, which occurred on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at about 9:40 pm, saw the Anambra State Fire Service battling the flames throughout the night.
During the Iweka Road fire, the prompt response of the Fire Service prevented further escalation, saving many shops in a two-storey building. However, four shops, primarily dealing in furniture materials like leather and foam, were affected by the blaze. The firefighting crew withdrew from the scene around 3:05 am the following day after successfully containing the incident. The cause of that fire is yet to be determined.
The recurrence of fire outbreaks in Onitsha has raised concerns among residents, with many questioning the possible causes and preventive measures. While investigations continue, the Anambra State Fire Service has maintained that it remains ever-ready to respond to emergencies and has urged the public to promptly report any fire incidents.
Meanwhile, the Fire Service has also called on business owners and residents to take proactive fire safety measures to minimize the risk of such incidents. They advised the public to ensure that electrical installations are properly maintained, fire-prone materials are safely stored, and emergency numbers are kept handy.
Residents of Onitsha have commended the Fire Service for their timely interventions but called on the government to intensify efforts at preventing fire outbreaks, particularly in densely populated and commercial areas of the city.
As the firefighting operations continue at Ifejika Street, the Anambra State Fire Service has reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and appealed for cooperation from residents to ensure successful containment of the blaze. Further updates on the situation are expected as the firemen work tirelessly to bring the incident under total control.
Watch some of the videos below:
