In Anambra State, an early morning fire on Christmas Day destroyed several shops near the General Post Office on Ibokwu Street, Onitsha, with goods worth millions of naira lost.
According to eyewitness Mrs. Chidimma Ike, the fire began in one shop and quickly spread to neighboring businesses. Despite efforts by residents and passersby to douse the flames, the fire caused extensive damage as many shop owners were away celebrating Christmas.
One affected trader, Mr. Chinedu Nnamdi, recounted how he initially thought the smoke was from burning waste until he discovered that the fire had engulfed his shop and others.
Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the fire, and assessments of the full extent of the damage are ongoing.