Two separate midnight fire outbreaks were recorded at the Nwafor Plaza, located off Oby Okoli Avenue, by UNIZIK Junction, Okpuno Road, Awka and at Igiligi Lane, off Godwill Junction, Okpuno, Awka South LGA of Anambra State.
It was gathered that the fire at Nwafor Plaza started at about 11:05 pm on Tuesday, while the fire at Igiligi Lane occurred at about 12:08 midnight.
Our correspondent, who was at the scene on Wednesday, learnt that the fire had razed no fewer than four shops and torched the buildings before the arrival of the state fire service’s operatives, who battled to quench it and prevented it from spreading to other surrounding buildings.
Although no casualties were recorded in either incident, goods and property at the shops were destroyed by the inferno.
Eyewitnesses near the scene attributed the fire at Nwafor Plaza to a power surge, saying it started after power was restored, while the cause of the fire at Igiligi Lane remained under investigation.
“The fire started with a smoke coming out from one of the corners in the plaza, and before we knew what was happening, it started escalating fast, prompting residents and neighbors to make frantic efforts to quench it.
“But unfortunately, some shops containing textile materials had been affected before the arrival of the firefighters.”
When contacted on the development on Wednesday, the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed both incidents via a statement, adding that firefighters arrived at the scenes with firefighting equipment immediately after receiving distress calls.
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Chiketa advised residents and business owners to ensure regular safety checks of their premises and promptly report any fire incident to the nearest fire station, assuring that the Service remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Fire Service responded promptly to a distress call reporting a fire outbreak at Nwafor Plaza, located off Oby Okoli Avenue, by UNIZIK Junction – Okpuno road, Awka, on February 24, 2026.
“The Service received the emergency call at exactly 2308 hours and immediately deployed firefighters to the scene to contain the situation.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a power surge. With swift intervention by the firemen, the outbreak was successfully controlled, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building.
“Two shops were affected by the fire before it was brought under control. Firefighters concluded operations and safely withdrew from the scene at 2359 hours of the same day.
“The Anambra State Fire Service urges members of the public to take proactive safety measures, including the installation of surge protectors and regular electrical inspections, to prevent similar incidents.
“The Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.”
Similarly, for the fire at Igiligi Lane, Chiketa said, “The Anambra State Fire Service responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a fire outbreak at Igiligi Lane, off Godwill Junction, Okpuno, in the early hours of 25th February 2026.
“The emergency call was received at 0008 hours, prompting immediate deployment of firefighters to the scene.
“On arrival, firemen commenced firefighting operations and successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to adjoining buildings and properties.
“Two shops were affected before the fire was contained. The cause of the fire remains unknown at the time of this report and is subject to further investigation.
“Firefighters concluded operations and safely withdrew from the scene at 0123 hours of the same day.
“The Anambra State Fire Service advises residents and business owners to ensure regular safety checks of their premises and promptly report any fire incident to the nearest fire station. The Service remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.”
Punchnews
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