Fire Razes Onitsha Plumbing Market, Traders Count Losses

A late-night fire has destroyed the plumbing section of Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, leaving traders with significant losses and disrupting commercial activities in one of the city’s busiest hubs.

The incident occurred late Friday night along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway, near the River Niger Bridge. Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out around 11:55 p.m. and spread rapidly through sections of the market, making it difficult for traders to salvage their goods.

Despite frantic efforts by some traders to recover their wares, the intensity of the blaze forced many to flee for safety as goods worth millions of naira were consumed.

Fire service officials later arrived at the scene and successfully contained the inferno, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the market.

The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Emeka Orji, reportedly led the emergency response by mobilising firefighters to the scene, which contributed to bringing the situation under control.

Speaking on the incident, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the market, Chinedu Ezekwike, commended the timely intervention of the fire service and stakeholders. He noted that their swift action helped prevent the fire from spreading to the plywood and Ogbo Ogwu sections of the market.

He also praised the leadership of the plumbing materials section for coordinating efforts during the emergency.

The cause of the fire remains unknown as of the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, affected traders have begun counting their losses and are calling on the Anambra State Government and well-meaning individuals for support.