Traders count losses as fire guts 2 Abia markets

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Traders at a section of the Asa Nnentu Spare Parts Market and Ariaria International Market, both in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, are counting their losses following fire outbreaks at the two markets over the weekend.

While fire engulfed shops of traders at the Chinedu Zone in Ariaria International Market, the same fate befell traders at the B Line in Asa Nnentu Spare Parts Market, last Sunday afternoon.

The cause of the inferno at the Asa Nnentu Spare Parts Marketm which raised over 30 shops, could not be immediately ascertained. It was gathered that it took the efforts of fire servicemen from Umuahia, the state capital, to put off the fire and stopped it from spreading to other parts of the market. The traders were said to have lost over N300 million goods in the inferno.

Also, some traders at Chinedu Zone in Ariaria International Market, last Saturday, suffered losses in an inferno that engulfed their shops. About six shops were reported to have been affected in the inferno. Some of the affected shop owners said  they were in their houses when they were contacted about the fire incident. Sources said the fire incident started after there was a spark of light when the public source of power in the market was restored.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, in company of the DG, Greater Aba Developmental Authority, Uche Ukeje, Mayor of Ugwunagbo LGA and his Aba North counterpart, Ide John Udeagbala, paid visit to the traders.

The commissioner for trade, while sympathising with the traders in the two markets over the unfortunate incidents, said he was at the markets at the instance of the governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti, who directed him to come and have on the spot assessment of the damages caused by the fire incidents.

He promised to convey his findings to the governor and assured that Otti, whom he described as a father with a heart of gold and meekness, would ensure the affected traders receive succour.

He called on the traders and market leaders to ensure they prioritise safety and avoid actions capable of igniting fire, especially during this harmattan season.