Obi Visits Iweka Road Market Over Fire Incident

Former governir of Anambra State and Presidentiao standard bearer of Labour Party in 2023 Presidential elections, Peter Obi has paid a visit to the Electronics Market at Modebe, located along Iweka Road in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The market had been devastated by a fire outbreak on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, which destroyed numerous shops and goods worth millions of naira. Obi’s visit was a gesture of sympathy and solidarity with the traders who suffered significant losses in the fire.

The fire, which started around 8:30 PM on Tuesday, raged for several minutes before firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service arrived at approximately 9:40 PM. Despite their efforts, the blaze consumed many shops containing electronics, furniture materials, and other valuable items, leaving traders to face substantial financial setbacks. Obi, known for his hands-on approach during his tenure as governor, described the experience as “deeply painful,” reflecting on the enormous toll the incident took on the livelihoods of those affected.

Obi’s visit to the affected market is in line with his history of engaging directly with communities in times of crisis. In addition to touring the burnt electronics market at Iweka Road, he also visited a devastated warehouse at Ifejirika Street in the nearby Onitsha Main Market. His presence was met with appreciation from traders and residents, many of whom see him as a figure of empathy and support.

The incident at Modebe is the latest in a series of fire outbreaks in Onitsha’s markets, a major commercial hub in Nigeria. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, the response from the state fire service highlighted the need for improved safety measures and support systems for market traders, who form a critical part of Anambra’s economy.

Obi’s visit serves as a call to attention for the state authorities to take action to prevent such incidents in the future. As of now, no official statement has been released regarding compensation or rebuilding efforts, but Obi’s engagement may prompt further action from the government.

The former governor’s presence has brought hope to the affected traders, who are looking forward to receiving support and assistance to rebuild their businesses.

In a statement, Obi expressed his commitment to supporting the traders and called on the state government to take immediate action to address the challenges faced by the market traders. He also emphasized the need for improved safety measures and emergency response systems to prevent such incidents in the future.

The visit has led to a renewed call for action to address the challenges faced by market traders in Onitsha, and it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to Obi’s call to action. For now, the affected traders are grateful for Obi’s support and are hoping for a swift response from the government to help them rebuild their businesses.