A devastating fire outbreak in Aba, Abia state has resulted in the destruction of leather products, raw materials, and machines worth over N3 billion. The fire engulfed over 30 shops in the mansion zone block of the powerline leather products industrial cluster.
Okechukwu Williams, the president of the leather product manufacturers association in Abia, expressed the significant losses suffered by the traders, which were further exacerbated by the challenging economic situation. He emphasized the need for a fire service outpost at the Ariaria international market to ensure swift response to emergencies. Williams called on Governor Alex Otti to establish this outpost to protect businesses and address future incidents.
Ugochukwu Nwachukwu, the chairman of the affected block in the industrial cluster, revealed that more than 500 workers were employed in the affected shops. The Abia fire service arrived from Umuahia, the state capital, about an hour after the incident to extinguish the fire.
Cherechi Ndukwe, a victim of the fire, appealed for immediate assistance to the affected traders, acknowledging the devastating impact on their businesses, families, and employees. The victims made desperate attempts to control the inferno with buckets of water before the arrival of the fire service.
Goodluck Mmeri, another victim, lamented that the situation was worsened by opportunistic individuals who took advantage of the incident to loot materials and machines. The affected traders rely on the support of the Abia and federal governments to recover from this tragic event.
