The Nodu Market Fire Crisis destroyed several shops in Awka as firefighters battled access challenges but rescued two trapped occupants

According to officials of the Anambra State Fire Service, an early morning blaze tore through a three-storey commercial building at Nodu Market on Thursday, marking a troubling turn in the Nodu Market Fire Crisis.

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The inferno, which erupted behind the Juhel Pharmaceutical Company in Awka South, destroyed multiple shops and caused damage estimated at several million naira.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the fire burned for several minutes before firefighters arrived, though their rapid intervention prevented the flames from spreading to nearby buildings.

Some shop owners were still recovering valuables on Friday, sifting through what remained of their burnt spaces in an effort to salvage stock.

Chukwudi Chiketa, Head of Media and Publicity for the Fire Service, confirmed that two men trapped in the building were pulled out safely.

He explained that fire crews were dispatched immediately after the distress call and launched a swift, coordinated operation upon arrival.

The blaze is believed to have started in one of the upper flats, with early reports suggesting that an occupant may have fallen asleep while cooking, though the official cause remains unverified.

Chiketa described the powerful challenges firefighters faced, including a narrow access road that restricted the movement of fire trucks and a cramped internal staircase that slowed the transportation of heavy equipment.

These constraints heightened risks for both residents and responders, delaying tactical progress during the operation.

Despite these obstacles, the fire was fully contained that same morning. Chiketa expressed profound appreciation to residents who supported firefighters, stressing that their cooperation was essential to the successful containment effort.

He urged the public to maintain clear access routes to buildings, provide adequate stairways and escape passages, and avoid dangerous practices such as leaving cooking unattended or blocking corridors with illegal structures or parked vehicles.

He added that overcoming these issues is vital to ensuring faster and safer emergency responses in future incidents.

This latest outbreak follows a similar incident in March, when nine shops at Ziks Avenue in Onitsha were burnt in another destructive event linked to a power surge.

Also read:Lagos Markets Warned to Prioritise Safety Amid Risks

Residents say the recurring nature of these fires underscores the urgent need for stronger safety awareness and building compliance across the state.