Senate Urges Federal Aid for Onitsha Market Fire Victims

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate called for federal government intervention following a devastating fire outbreak at the head bridge building materials market in Onitsha, Anambra State. The Senate urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage and provide immediate relief materials to affected traders.

This resolution followed a motion presented by Senator Toni Nwoye, the Minority Whip, who recalled the tragic incident that occurred in March when a section of the market, dealing in plastic tiles and high-pressure pipes, caught fire. Eyewitness accounts noted that the fire spread rapidly due to the presence of highly flammable materials.

The inferno raged for three days, causing significant destruction, with property worth 3 billion naira lost. The Senate expressed concern over the absence of a functional fire service station nearby and called for the establishment of adequately equipped fire stations to ensure prompt responses to emergencies.

Additionally, the Senate urged the Anambra State government to collaborate with market authorities to develop effective emergency response mechanisms.