The Police Commissioner of Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has expressed sympathy for the victims of the fire that occurred at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State.
His message of condolence was shared in a statement issued to journalists during a press briefing held at the Police Command headquarters in Amawbia on Friday.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, a fire outbreak broke out early on Friday morning, devastating part of the Onitsha Main Market in the state’s commercial hub. The fire reportedly started around 6:20 AM in one of the market’s buildings and quickly spread to a nearby structure.
As of this report, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Confirming the incident, the head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service urged residents and the public to remain calm as firefighters work to extinguish the blaze.
“Anambra State Fire Service is currently on intervention at the scene of the fire outbreak at Ifejika Street, by Sokoto Road, Onitsha.
He further urged the general public to remain calm as the situation is under control.
Reacting further, the CP, stated that the incident could be avoided if necessary precautionary measures were adhered to.
He however, noted that no life was lost and the Command appreciates the support of the fire service agency and good-spirited individuals in making sure that the fire was put off.
On his security achievements within the period under review, the Commissioner, stated that, “On March 23rd, 2025, a Joint Security team comprising the Police, Military and other security operatives secured the release of Rev. Father Stephen Echezona at Ihiala. The priest who was rescued unharmed, was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida where a joint security force in an ensuing gun duel with the armed criminals operating in an unregistered white Lexus SUV subdued the criminals and rescued him.
“Also, on 22nd March 2025 by 7.20 am rescued three kidnapped victims along Onitsha/Owerri Express Road, Ozubulu. The victims were rushed to the hospital by the joint security team following various degrees of injury already inflicted on them by the criminals. The victims are currently responding to treatment and have been debriefed by the Police and operations are ongoing for possible arrest of the assailants.
“On the same date 22nd March 2025, Police Operatives attached to the Obosi division on intelligent-led patrol along the Obosi /Nkpor expressway arrested On kosiso Okonwko ‘M’ and recovered one Berreta pistol. The Suspect confessed to being a member of Aye Confertanity.
“Similarly, the Command acting on complaints to nip in the bud all incidents of robbery of phones and personal belongings of innocent road users along Club Road Awka popularly known as Abakaliki Street, Police Operatives attached to the Special Anti-cult Unit Enugwu Ukwu in the early hours of 18th March 2025, arrested one Chibuike Ozoekwem ‘M’ 22 years and Favour Patrick ‘F’ 19 years respectively in an uncompleted building at Onwurah Street, Awka. The Operatives recovered one pump action gun, sixteen (16) pieces of expended cartridges, a battle Axe, and two suspected stolen phones.
“Subsequently, a victim identified one of the recovered phones and stated that she was robbed on the 13th of March, 2025 at gunpoint by four armed men along the said Club Road. The Police Operatives have expanded the investigation aimed at arresting other fleeing gang members.
“Recently, on 26th March 2025 by 5.48 pm, a Police surveillance team from the B Division on a Stop and Search along Book Foundation Ifite Awka intercepted a tricycle with three passengers and the driver. One of the passengers acting suspiciously was searched and the Operatives recovered one locally made Beretta pistol. The suspect was later identified as Somtochukwu Okoye a native of Umuike Village, Awka, who confessed to being a member of the Junior Viking secret cult, mentioned that the gun belonged to one Augustine Okafor aka ABOY, a native of Ore village, Amansea who is already in Police custody over a case of unlawful possession of a firearm.”
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