A destructive fire erupted at midnight on Monday, wreaking havoc on sections of the Orba International Market in the Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The inferno, which significantly impacted areas dedicated to the sale of drinks, foams, gallons, provisions, and various goods, resulted in the destruction of shops and merchandise valued at millions of naira.
Situated in Orba community, the hometown of former Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, this market stands as the second-largest in the state.
The blaze, which caught the attention of residents, unfolded during the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Chigbo Odegba, a local resident, shared insights with journalists, revealing that the fire commenced around midnight, causing extensive damage to numerous shops.
Another resident, Chinyere Eze, expressed the community’s sorrow, stating, “It started around midnight. 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.”
Confirming the incident, Mr. Daniel Ohaa, the State Chief Fire Officer, reported that the fire was swiftly addressed by their Udenu office, preventing further destruction.
Despite significant losses, the timely response from fire officials and cooperation from residents played a crucial role in limiting the extent of the damage.
“It was a midnight fire incident. We got the information, and our office in Udenu responded swiftly, and stopped 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 residents who contacted us, and I commend our operatives who responded swiftly,” he said.
