Peter Obi visits Onitsha market fire sites, seeks support for victims

• Published On: 30 March 2025 at 16:17

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, has visited the locations of two devastating fires: the Electronics Market Plaza on Iweka Road and a warehouse on Ifejirika Street, Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra State.

The warehouse fire, which began around 5:45 a.m. on Friday, burned for several hours before being extinguished by the Anambra State Fire Service.

Meanwhile, a separate fire at the Electronics Market Plaza on Tuesday night destroyed millions of naira's worth of goods.

Obi, a former Anambra State governor, expressed deep concern about the traders' losses, pointing out that many rely solely on their businesses for survival.

He stated, "This is a huge loss for the victims. I promised to help the victims in my small way, and I also urged the government at all levels, individuals, and financial institutions to step in and assist the affected traders.

"In times like these, our common humanity must prevail. Let us band together to restore hope, rebuild livelihoods, and reaffirm the sense of community that defines us."

He expressed deep concern about the disaster's impact on the victims, many of whom he claims rely solely on their businesses for a living.

While at the sites, Obi met privately with the leaders of the affected markets as well as some of the worst-hit traders.

He praised the Anambra State Fire Service's efforts to prevent the fires from spreading further, despite obvious challenges.

At Iweka Road, one of the affected traders, Jeremiah Nwabueze, thanked Obi for his visit, describing it as deeply comforting.

He stated that Obi's presence has provided comfort and solidarity to the affected victims.