Awka— The bustling Onitsha market has been thrown into turmoil following a devastating fire that reduced goods worth billions of naira to ashes, leaving traders in despair and counting their losses.
Among those affected, Mrs. Chinonso Adline Nwokearu revealed she lost goods valued at N220 million, while Ezeji James Kelechi reported losses of N170 million. Other traders, including Ndubuisi Uche Kalu (N280 million), Ogechi Sunday Ibem (N350 million), Kelechi Ananaba (N250 million), and Lewechi Emeh (N270 million), all face financial ruin. Some, like Olua Ukairo and Ifeanyi Nwose Nwofoke, lamented that their goods had just arrived from the ports and were offloaded before the inferno consumed everything.
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has stepped in, urging the government and private sector to provide immediate relief to help the traders rebuild their livelihoods. The group’s President General, Goodluck Ibem, decried the tragic event, emphasizing the emotional and financial distress it has caused.
“These traders are the backbone of our local economy. Their businesses sustain families and contribute immensely to the region’s commerce. This disaster has wiped out years of hard work in mere hours, leaving them in despair,” Ibem stated.
COSEYL called for swift government intervention, including financial aid, compensation, and long-term strategies to prevent similar disasters. The coalition also emphasized the need for better fire safety measures in markets to protect traders and their investments.
With many traders left in limbo and unsure of how to recover, the urgent question remains—will the government step in to offer the lifeline they so desperately need?
