A late-night fire outbreak has destroyed parts of the Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, leaving traders counting heavy losses after goods worth millions of naira were reportedly burnt.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire began around 11:55 p.m. on Friday in the plumbing materials section of the market.
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The blaze spread quickly across several shops and continued burning into the early hours of Saturday, making it difficult for traders to save their goods.
Many affected traders reportedly attempted to salvage their wares but were unable to do so because of the intensity of the fire.
Fire service officials later arrived at the scene and were able to bring the situation under control, preventing the flames from spreading further.
The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Emeka Orji, reportedly mobilised emergency responders quickly, which helped firefighters contain the incident.
Market leaders said the quick intervention stopped the fire from spreading to other major sections of the market, including:
• Plywood section
• Ogbo Ogwu section
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the market, Chinedu Ezekwike, commended firefighters and traders who helped control the situation.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Meanwhile, traders affected by the disaster are appealing to the Anambra State government and well-meaning Nigerians for support as they struggle to recover from the losses.
Bridge Head Market is one of the largest and busiest markets in Onitsha, located along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway near the River Niger Bridge, and serves as a major commercial hub in southeastern Nigeria.