A Christmas morning turned to chaos in Onitsha as a fierce fire ripped through shops near the General Post Office. The blaze, which erupted early Wednesday, caused significant damage, leaving business owners in shock. While firefighters were notably absent, the community stepped up, battling the inferno and rescuing what they could.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key points:
- A major fire broke out in Onitsha on Christmas Day.
- Shops near the General Post Office were severely damaged.
- The fire started early in the morning.
- Community members and passersby fought the flames, while firefighters were absent.
- Millions of naira worth of goods and equipment were destroyed.
The Christmas Day Disaster
The fire, which began in one of the shops, quickly spread to others, fueled by the absence of immediate fire service intervention. Eyewitness Mrs. Chidimma Ike described seeing thick flames engulfing the area as residents scrambled to combat the blaze. Despite numerous calls, the fire service failed to respond, leaving the community to fend for itself.
Community Response
In a display of community solidarity, residents and passersby mobilized to extinguish the fire and salvage goods. The community’s efforts were crucial in preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. The lack of prompt fire service response sparked anger and frustration among locals who felt abandoned in their time of need.
Traders’ Losses
Many traders had closed their shops for the Christmas holiday, and the fire struck before they could react. Mr. Chinedu Nnamdi, one of the shop owners, expressed shock after seeing smoke from afar, initially mistaking it for waste burning, only to be notified of the devastation by his neighbors. The fire has left many business owners with significant financial losses, right after the usually lucrative Christmas season.
Why the Fire Service Didn’t Show Up
The absence of the fire service remains a major point of concern. The Anambra State Fire Chief, Mr. Chukwudi Chiketa, did not respond to inquiries by local media, adding to the mystery and anger surrounding this incident.
Aftermath and What’s Next?
The Onitsha Christmas fire serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of having functional emergency services. Many will now be asking whether the local and state authorities will respond to the needs of the traders affected by this tragedy. The financial repercussions are huge, with some of these businesses maybe unable to recover.
The Broader Implications
This incident shines a light on the need for better fire preparedness and response systems in Nigeria’s commercial hubs. With many markets packed with flammable materials, these areas are particularly vulnerable. The Onitsha fire is a stark reminder that authorities must prioritize adequate training, equipment, and rapid response capabilities for fire emergencies.
