Goods and items worth several millions of naira were on Saturday destroyed when fire gutted the Obi Isiedo Foodstuff Market in Nnewi, Anambra State.

This is contained in a statement issued to journalists in Awka on Sunday by Mr Martin Agbili, the Chief Fire Officer in Anambra.

Agbili said that the fire service received a distress call at 10.25 p.m. on Saturday that there was fire outbreak at Okpuno Egbu Market, Umudim Nnewi.

He said that fire trucks and firefighters at Nnewi were deployed immediately to the scene of the incident to contain the inferno and addition emergency response mobilised from the headquarters in Awka

The fire chief said that the cause of the fire outbreak was still unknown, but would be ascertained after investigation.

Agbili said that no loss of life was recorded from the fire, but parts of the market were affected, adding that the swift response of men of the fire service and first responders were able to control the fire from spreading.

The fire chief said that it took four hours for the men to contain the inferno.

Agbili, who commiserated with the victims, commended the public and security agencies for their timely information and assistance in putting out the fire.

“Also, I want to especially appreciate all my firefighters who toil day and night in ensuring the safety of lives and property of Anambra people,” he said.