Onitsha Traders Lose Billions As Fire Sweeps Through Plumbing Market

A devastating midnight fire has gutted the Plumbing Material Section of Head Bridge Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, destroying goods worth millions of naira.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of Saturday, March 21, 2026, near the Ogbo-Ogwu Medicine Market along the busy Onitsha-Awka Expressway by the River Niger Bridge. Traders woke to thick smoke and flames spreading rapidly through shops stocked with pipes, fittings, valves, and other plumbing supplies.

An eyewitness account described how the fire started around midnight and engulfed several shops before containment. The Anambra State Fire Service responded after the Onitsha South Local Government Area chairman raised the alarm, deploying multiple units to battle the inferno.

Officials confirmed no lives were lost, but the damage hit hard on traders already facing tough economic times. Many shop owners watched helplessly as years of stock turned to ashes in minutes.

Market sources suspect an electrical surge or faulty wiring sparked the incident, a common risk in densely packed markets with poor power infrastructure. Investigations continue to establish the exact cause.

NaijaChoice News gathered that affected traders are now counting losses and seeking ways to restart. Some appealed for government support, including quick assessment for relief or low-interest loans.

Head Bridge Market remains a key hub for building materials in the South-East, serving customers from Anambra, Imo, Enugu, and beyond. Such fires expose ongoing challenges with fire safety, access roads for emergency vehicles, and insurance coverage among informal traders.

Local authorities urged market leaders to enforce stricter safety measures. Traders were advised to avoid overloading electrical points and keep fire extinguishers handy.

This latest incident adds to frequent fire outbreaks in Onitsha markets, where congestion and combustible goods heighten risks. Residents and business owners hope for faster interventions to prevent future disasters.