A major disaster was averted at the Onitsha Main Market following an earlier decision by Anambra State Government to provide functional fire-fighting equipment to forestall such fire outbreak
Governor Willie Obiano had two months ago provided fire-fighting equipment at the market to enable men of the state fire service respond timely to any outbreak of fire in the area.
Few days ago, there was fire disaster at Bright Street, Onitsha, which escalated and almost spread to the nearby roaring business axis of Onitsha Main Market, but for the prompt intervention of fire fighters who laid hands on the fire-fighting equipment provided by the governor.
Speaking when he visited the site of the fire incident to sympathize with traders affected by the fire, Obiano expressed delight that the fire-fighting equipment provided in the market two months ago by the state government was used to control the fire from spreading to the entire market.
The governor noted that the fire started in a shop where gunpowder was stored, pointing out that government would investigate the matter and prosecute the culprit for engaging in illegality. He announced the ban on sale of gunpowder and other explosives and warned that nobody should be allowed to deal in such materials without permit from the police.
According to him, the police permit would specify and regulate where and how such materials would be stored and where it can be sold.
Obiano said: “Following this ban, it is illegal for anyone to be in possession of gunpowder and other explosive materials. Such possession must be with the permission of the police whose duty is to specify and regulate where and how such materials can be stored and sold.”
He urged traders to keep fire extinguishers in their shops to ensure prompt intervention during fire outbreak.

Obiano’s foresight averts fire disaster at Onitsha market