A devastating fire has engulfed a building housing several shops at No. 36 New Umuahia Road, Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State, destroying goods and valuables worth millions of Naira.
The tragic incident, which occurred late Thursday night, was reportedly caused by a faulty solar electrical installation in one of the shops, which quickly spread through the building, consuming everything in its path.
Although personnel from the Abia State Fire Service responded to the emergency, it was too late — all the shops and their contents had already been reduced to ashes before their arrival.
Eyewitnesses and affected traders recounted the harrowing experience, lamenting their huge financial losses and uncertain future.
Among the victims are:
- Destiny Uwa, a dealer in packaging materials and supplies,
- Onyekachi Nelson, who specializes in hair clippers and sharpening services,
- Rose Onwuka, a wholesaler of Nigerian Breweries products,
- Kelechi, a trader in poultry feeds and related products, and
- Prosper Ukoha, whose newly equipped modern salon — worth millions — was destroyed just a day before its planned grand opening.
Speaking through tears, the victims appealed to Governor Alex Otti, the Abia State Government, and well-meaning Nigerians to come to their aid, saying that financial assistance would determine whether or not they could return to business.
Residents of Ogbor Hill who spoke to journalists urged the state government to tighten fire safety enforcement, improve emergency response capacity, and ensure regular inspection of electrical installations to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for better fire management systems and emergency preparedness in commercial areas across Abia State.
