Traders devastated as late-night fire ravages popular Onitsha timber market [VIDEO]

A late-night fire on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, engulfed the Ogbosisi Timber Market in the Onitsha area of Anambra State, leaving traders counting their losses as several goods were destroyed.

Videos of the incident shared on social media by an X user captured scenes of traders scrambling to salvage their goods amidst raging flames.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday morning, Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, praised the swift response of police and fire service operatives in bringing the situation under control.

Ikenga stated, "The swift response of the Police and Fire service operatives to the outbreak at Ogbosisi on 18/12/2024 by 8.45 pm brought the situation under control."

He also confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident and noted that the area had been secured to prevent looting.

"Police operatives have cordoned off the scene of the incident to prevent hoodlums from taking undue advantage of the situation to loot properties and goods of individuals in the area," he added.

He said the Anambra State Police Command has commenced an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Watch the video below: