An early morning fire on New Year Day razed shops and goods worth millions of naira at the Orba International Market in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The fire which started midnight affected sections of the market where drinks, foams, gallons, provisions and other materials are being sold.
The market located at Orba community, the country home of former Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, is the second largest market in Enugu State.
A resident of the area, Chigbo Odegba, who spoke to journalists on Monday morning, said the fire started around midnight, destroying several shops and goods worth millions of naira.
Another resident, Chinyere Eze, said, “It (fire) started around midnight. Millions of naira lost. It is a pity because the shop owners were not around. All the goods in the affected shops were destroyed. It is a sad New Year for us. The incident occurred along Obollo Road.”
Meanwhile, the state’s Chief Fire Officer, Mr Daniel Ohaa, has confirmed the fire incident but thanked God that his men with the support of residents were able to put it off.
Ohaa said the state fire service operatives deployed two trucks that quenched the fire.
He said, “It was a midnight fire incident. We got the information, and our office in Udenu responded swiftly, and extinguished the fire from destroying more property. Much was destroyed, and much saved.
“It’s fortunate that we have an office close to Orba. It was significant for the rescue operations. We thank the residents who contacted us, and I commend our operatives who responded swiftly.”
