Trending 
Two separate late-night fires have razed shops and valuable goods in Awka, the Anambra State capital. The incidents occurred at Nwafor Plaza, off Oby Okoli Avenue by UNIZIK Junction, Okpuno Road, and at Igiligi Lane, off Godwill Junction, Okpuno — all within Awka South Local Government Area.
The first blaze erupted shortly after 11 p.m. on Tuesday at Nwafor Plaza, while the second was reported just after midnight at Igiligi Lane. Although no lives were lost in either incident, goods and property valued at millions of naira were destroyed.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the fire at Nwafor Plaza started soon after electricity supply was restored, with smoke initially seen billowing from one section of the building before the flames spread rapidly.
Residents and nearby shop owners attempted to contain the fire, but several shops — including outlets stocked with textile materials — had already been engulfed by the time firefighters arrived. Altogether, no fewer than four shops were gutted across the two locations. The cause of the Igiligi Lane incident is still being investigated.
The Anambra State Fire Service confirmed that it responded promptly to both emergencies. According to the Service’s Media and Publicity Unit, headed by Chukwudi Chiketa, distress calls were received at 11:08 p.m. and 12:08 a.m., leading to the immediate deployment of firefighting teams.
The fires were eventually brought under control, preventing them from spreading to adjacent buildings, with operations concluded before 1:30 a.m.
Authorities have urged residents and business owners to conduct routine electrical checks, install surge protectors, and report fire incidents without delay. The Service also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the state.
