 
In the early hours of January 14, 2025, a devastating fire engulfed the Afia Mgbede Motor Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. The inferno destroyed goods and properties worth millions of naira.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started mysteriously, rapidly spreading through the market’s high-rise buildings. A video shared on social media depicted the market ablaze, with onlookers expressing frustration over the absence of fire services. One individual lamented, “We don’t have Fire Service in Anambra State, and it is very unfortunate.”
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and local authorities have yet to provide an official statement. When contacted, the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated, “There is no such report before me.”
This incident has raised concerns about the preparedness and responsiveness of emergency services in the region. The lack of immediate intervention allowed the fire to cause significant damage before eventually being contained.
The Afia Mgbede Motor Parts Market is a vital commercial hub in Nnewi, renowned for its extensive trade in auto spare parts. The destruction of numerous shops and goods is expected to have a substantial economic impact on the local community.
As investigations continue to determine the cause of the fire, affected traders and residents are calling on the government to enhance fire safety measures and ensure the availability of functional firefighting equipment to prevent such disasters in the future.
Peoplesmind
