Fire ravages bank, bookshop, shops in Anambra

Three separate fires ravaged a commercial bank, a bookshop, and 10 shops in Anambra State, causing significant damage estimated in millions of naira. The incidents occurred between Monday and Tuesday in Awka and Onitsha. Keystone Bank on Port Harcourt Road in Fegge, Onitsha, suffered damage due to a power surge, while a commercial building on Ifite Road in Awka was affected by an electrical fault, possibly involving an electric iron left plugged in.

The third fire broke out at a one-storey commercial building on Ifite Road, Amaenyi, Awka, destroying two shops and their contents. Eyewitnesses reported thick smoke starting the fire, which burned for several minutes before firefighters arrived. State Fire Service Chief Chukwudi Chiketa confirmed the incidents, stating that firefighters successfully contained the fires and prevented further escalation.

No lives were lost in any of the incidents, but the exact cause of the bookshop fire remains unknown. Chiketa urged residents and business owners to follow fire safety measures, including not leaving electrical appliances unattended and promptly reporting emergencies.