Crystal Dike
An early morning fire outbreak occurred at the Nkwo Enugu-Ukwu Market Square in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday, November 28, 2025, destroying shops and valuables.
The latest incident brings to about six fire outbreaks recorded in the state in less than one week. Recent cases include the explosion of a petrol tanker near the Ozubulu Local Government Secretariat on Friday, November 21, which claimed one life and destroyed about six adjoining shops; the burning of a factory in Nnewi on Wednesday, November 26; and an early morning fire that razed several shops in a three-storey commercial building at Nodu Market, behind Juhel Pharmaceutical Company, in Awka South Local Government Area, on Thursday, November 27.
It was gathered that Friday’s fire, which started at about 3 a.m., affected provision shops and dealers in roofing materials. The cause of the blaze was attributed to sparks from an electrical surge following the restoration of power supply in the market.
One of the affected shop owners, who spoke on condition of anonymity, blamed poor electrical connections. “Some shop owners were alerted during the night, but by the time they arrived, the fire had already destroyed some shops and goods before it was brought under control by men of the Anambra State Fire Service,” the trader said, adding that the losses were huge.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Friday, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters were immediately deployed after a distress call was received at 3:43 a.m.
According to him, “Firefighters were promptly dispatched to the scene and initiated suppression operations upon arrival. Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was triggered by sparks from an electrical appliance as a result of a power surge.
“The incident affected provision shops and roofing materials within the area. Owing to the swift, coordinated and effective response of the Anambra State Fire Service, the fire was promptly contained, with destruction confined to a single shop. No casualties were recorded. Firefighting operations were concluded at 4:46 a.m. on the same day.”
Chiketa advised shop owners and residents to carry out immediate and comprehensive electrical inspections to prevent future occurrences. He also urged the public to always switch off electrical appliances when not in use, particularly after the close of business.