Anambra Midnight Infernos: Two Separate Fires Ravage Awka Shops, Millions Lost in Suspected Power Surge Incident!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa
Residents and traders in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, are counting significant losses after two separate midnight fires tore through commercial areas of the city, destroying shops and goods valued at millions of naira.
The incidents, which occurred in the late hours of the night, affected different parts of Awka and left business owners devastated as flames engulfed merchandise ranging from electronics and household items to clothing and food supplies. Eyewitnesses reported that the fires spread rapidly before emergency responders could fully contain the damage.
Suspected Power Surge Triggers One Blaze
Preliminary accounts from residents suggest that one of the fires may have been triggered by a power surge following the restoration of electricity supply. Traders in the affected area said the blaze started shortly after power was restored, raising concerns about unstable electricity and faulty wiring in commercial buildings.
Although authorities are yet to release a comprehensive technical report, incidents linked to electrical faults remain a recurring challenge in several Nigerian urban centres, particularly in densely populated markets where compliance with safety standards is often inconsistent.
Officials of the Anambra State Fire Service responded to the scenes and worked overnight to contain the flames, preventing further spread to adjoining structures. No fatalities were reported at the time of filing this report, though several traders sustained heavy financial losses.
Traders Lament Economic Impact
Affected shop owners described the destruction as a severe economic setback, especially amid prevailing macroeconomic pressures and rising operating costs. Many small and medium-scale business operators rely on personal savings and cooperative loans to finance their inventory, making recovery particularly difficult without structured support.
Community leaders have called for a thorough investigation into the causes of both incidents, alongside stronger enforcement of electrical safety standards and improved fire-prevention infrastructure across markets in Awka.
Renewed Calls for Preventive Measures
The back-to-back fires have reignited conversations around urban safety planning in Awka. Safety advocates argue that routine inspections, improved building codes, installation of fire alarms, and accessible firefighting equipment could significantly reduce the frequency and scale of such disasters.
Market associations are also urging the state government to consider relief measures for affected traders, including financial assistance and temporary trading spaces to cushion the immediate economic impact.
As investigations continue, authorities have advised residents and business owners to ensure proper electrical installations and to switch off appliances when not in use, particularly during power fluctuations.
Sources
The Punch
Vanguard
The Nation
Daily Trust
Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.
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