By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has regretted the unfortunate fire incident that occurred at Ifejika Street, Sokoto Road in Onitsha, during which shops and goods worth millions of naira were burnt on Friday, March 28, 2025.

Soludo in a statement issued over the weekend by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, sympathised with the affected traders and property owners impacted by the distressing event.

It was gathered that the fire incident which destroyed two four-story buildings and damaged a third was a result of arson by unknown person

The Governor observed that the unfortunate incident underscores a re-emphasis on public caution against the use of residential areas as unauthorised warehouses, considering the fact that obstructed access roads severely hindered fire-fighting efforts.

He advised developers and landlords to adhere strictly to building standards, secure permits from relevant government agencies, and ensure no obstruction to access roads for emergency vehicles in case of distress

The governor however, directed relevant agencies to intensify collaboration with traders and residents to enforce safety regulations, while accelerated investigations are being carried out to determine the remote and immediate causes of the inferno to prevent future occurrences

Meanwhile, no lives were lost, but property and goods worth millions of Naira were lost.