Fire guts section of Onitsha Market, millions worth of lace materials burnt

A fire incident has occurred at the White House section of the Onitsha Market, Anambra State.

The PUNCH reports that the section, popularly called “Gbongboro”, serves as a warehouse, as well as where lace and other clothing materials are sold and it is located at the back of the market.

No one could ascertain the actual cause of the fire, but the inferno, which started in the early hours on Tuesday, has destroyed million naira worth of goods.

The traders were seen running helter skelter as they tried to salvage the remaining of their goods while calling for the men of fire service.

An eyewitness said, “The fire started at the White House where they sell lace materials. The place was supposed to be a motor park and an emergency exit but the people blocked it with illegal structures through the approval of some government agencies.

“Even when the fire service comes, there might not be entry point where they could enter easily to start fighting the fire. Even the traders could not enter to salvage their items and this has made the fire to continue to rage.”

The state fire chief, Martin Agbili, could not be reached for reactions around 9:20am as the fire continue to rage.

The state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said, “The details are still sketchy but situation is being monitored and firefighters operatives and police are there.”