Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Sunday visited the scenes of the recent fire incidents in Onitsha, where he sympathized with affected traders and called for urgent assistance.
Obi toured the burnt electronics market at Iweka Road and the warehouse at Ifejirika Street (Main Market), witnessing firsthand the devastation caused by the inferno. He described the losses as “enormous,” estimating that goods and properties worth several billions of naira were destroyed.
During his visit, Obi held private discussions with market leaders and some of the most affected traders, commending the efforts of the Anambra State Fire Service in containing the blaze despite facing operational challenges.
He urged all levels of government, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to provide relief to the victims. “In moments like this, our shared humanity must prevail. Let us come together to restore hope, rebuild livelihoods, and reaffirm the spirit of community that defines us,” he said.
Obi also pledged his own modest support to assist those affected, reinforcing his commitment to standing with Nigerians in difficult times.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about fire safety measures in major markets, with stakeholders calling for improved infrastructure and emergency response capabilities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.