The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has visited the scenes of two devastating fire incidents at the Electronics Market Plaza on Iweka Road and a warehouse at Ifejirika Street, Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The warehouse fire, which started around 5:45 am on Friday, raged for hours before being contained by the Anambra State Fire Service.
Meanwhile, a separate fire at the Electronics Market Plaza on Tuesday night destroyed goods worth millions of naira.
Obi, a former Anambra State governor, expressed deep concern over the traders’ losses, noting that many depend entirely on their businesses for survival.
He said, “This is a huge loss to the victims. I pledged to support the victims in my own modest way, and I also called on the government at all levels, individuals and financial institutions to step in and offer assistance to the affected traders.
“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 expressed deep concern over the impact of the disaster on the victims, many of whom he said rely solely on their businesses for livelihood.
While at the sites, Obi held private meetings with the leadership of the affected markets and some of the worst-hit traders.
He commended the efforts of the Anambra State Fire Service in curbing the further spread of the fires, despite obvious challenges.
At Iweka Road, one of the affected traders, Jeremiah Nwabueze, expressed gratitude to Obi for the visit, describing it as deeply consoling.
He noted that Obi’s presence has brought a sense of comfort and solidarity to the affected victims.
