Two separate midnight fire incidents were reported in Awka, Anambra State, affecting properties at Nwafor Plaza and Igiligi Lane.
The first outbreak occurred at Nwafor Plaza, situated off Oby Okoli Avenue near UNIZIK Junction along Okpuno Road in Awka.
According to reports, the fire started around 11:05 p.m. on Tuesday. Barely an hour later, at about 12:08 a.m., another fire broke out at Igiligi Lane, off Godwill Junction in Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area.
First Daily correspondent on Wednesday, learnt that at least four shops were razed in the incidents.
The flames had already engulfed parts of the buildings before operatives of the Anambra State Fire Service arrived.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.
Reports circulating online revealed that no casualties were recorded in either incident.
However, goods and valuable property worth millions of naira were destroyed in the inferno.
The Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by Chukwudi Chiketa, on Wednesday confirmed both incidents in a statement, adding that firefighters arrived at the scenes with firefighting equipment immediately after receiving distress calls.
Chiketa advised residents and business owners to ensure regular safety checks of their premises and promptly report any fire incident to the nearest fire station, assuring that the Service remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Fire Service responded promptly to a distress call reporting a fire outbreak at Nwafor Plaza, located off Oby Okoli Avenue, by UNIZIK Junction – Okpuno road, Awka, on February 24, 2026.
“The Service received the emergency call at exactly 2308 hours and immediately deployed firefighters to the scene to contain the situation.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a power surge. With swift intervention by the firemen, the outbreak was successfully controlled, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building.
“Two shops were affected by the fire before it was brought under control. Firefighters concluded operations and safely withdrew from the scene at 2359 hours of the same day.
“The Anambra State Fire Service urges members of the public to take proactive safety measures, including the installation of surge protectors and regular electrical inspections, to prevent similar incidents.
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“The Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.”
Similarly, for the fire at Igiligi Lane, Chiketa said, “The Anambra State Fire Service responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a fire outbreak at Igiligi Lane, off Godwill Junction, Okpuno, in the early hours of 25th February 2026.
“The emergency call was received at 0008 hours, prompting immediate deployment of firefighters to the scene.
“On arrival, firemen commenced firefighting operations and successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to adjoining buildings and properties.
“Two shops were affected before the fire was contained. The cause of the fire remains unknown at the time of this report and is subject to further investigation.
“Firefighters concluded operations and safely withdrew from the scene at 0123 hours of the same day.
“The Anambra State Fire Service advises residents and business owners to ensure regular safety checks of their premises and promptly report any fire incident to the nearest fire station. The Service remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.”
