The popular Nnewi Timber Market was Tuesday morning gutted by fire. The inferno destroyed goods worth millions of naira, our correspondent gathered.
Eye witnesses said the fire started at about 11am.
Mike Oko, a trader, said, “The fire consumed many things. It is believed to have been triggered by some bush burners at an erosion site near the timber market.”
Another trader, Mr Matthew Okorie, said, “It has become a ritual because this market experiences fire outbreaks yearly.”
Similarly, a trader, who pleaded anonymity, called on government authorities “to dig a borehole as well as station permanent fire trucks in the market to help control fire if the need arises”. He commended the prompt response of the operatives of the state fire service.
The Commander, Nnewi zone of the Anambra State Fire Service, Mr Chibike Ejezie, said the situation was under control. He, however, called on the people to avoid setting bushes ablaze in the dry season.
