A devastating fire erupted in the early hours of Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Tetlow Road near Ekeonunwa Market in Owerri, Imo State, consuming goods and properties valued at millions of naira. The blaze left numerous shop owners in despair as they assessed the extensive damage to their livelihoods.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started around 2:00 AM, rapidly spreading through the densely packed shops. Despite frantic efforts by traders and passersby to douse the flames, the inferno continued unabated due to the absence of immediate firefighting support.
Carlos Ogbonna, an eyewitness, criticized the state’s fire services for their delayed response. He noted that the only fire truck that arrived came from the Government House in Owerri, by which time the fire had already decimated valuable goods and properties.
One of the affected traders, Vincent Emenyonu, described the incident as devastating, expressing uncertainty about how he and others would recover from the significant losses incurred.
The affected traders are now appealing to the Imo State government and relevant authorities for assistance to help them rebuild their businesses and restore their means of livelihood.
