By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
A mysterious early morning fire has razed large sections of Mgbuka Obosi Mechanic Village in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, destroying goods and equipment estimated at over N300 million.
The inferno, which reportedly broke out at about 2am on Saturday, left traders devastated as workshops, engines and other mechanical tools were reduced to ashes before dawn.
Eyewitnesses said two vehicles were completely burnt, while numerous Lister generating sets, about 30 wheelbarrows and several car engines were destroyed in the blaze.
Traders Appeal for Government Support
Victims described the incident as a heavy blow, particularly given the economic hardship facing many small-scale traders.
The President-General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, visited the scene to sympathise with affected traders.
He urged them to remain hopeful despite their losses.
“Take heart. God has heard your cries and will answer in no distant time,” he told the victims, noting that many of them are struggling entrepreneurs.
Chief Anuna, who was accompanied by the Chairman of Ugwuagba Obosi Market, Chief Samuel Ifurunwa, said he would brief the state government on the incident to explore possible assistance for the affected traders.
However, he cautioned against illegal electrical connections within the market, suggesting that such practices may have contributed to the outbreak.
“We must desist from unsafe electrical practices to prevent further damage in the future,” he advised.
Firefighters Respond
The Vice-Chairman of the mechanic village, Uchechukwu Ochuba, confirmed that firefighters responded promptly after being alerted.
“The fire started about 2am, and the fire service arrived around 3am. They did their best,” he said. “I do not know the exact cause, but there are many inflammable materials in this market. Government should help us.”
Another trader, Miracle Igwe, lamented the extensive damage. “Lots of engines were lost. We need help from the government to continue our businesses,” he said.
Sub-Chairman of the market, Jude Okeke, said he received a distress call around 2am and rushed to the scene.
“By the time I arrived, the market was already on fire. I lost millions of naira worth of goods,” he said. “In total, we estimate losses at about ₦300 million. Some traders lost N20 million, others N10 million or N5 million. You can see people are crying.”
As investigations into the cause of the inferno continue, affected traders are calling on the Anambra State Government and relevant agencies to provide urgent relief to enable them resume their livelihoods.
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