by Ashraf Oluwatobiloba,Kaduna.
ONITSHA – The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed reports of casualties in a fire outbreak that engulfed a two-storey building storing textiles on Ifejika Street, near Main Market, Onitsha.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, reiterated that no lives were lost in the incident. He recalled that an official statement had already clarified the situation.
During a media briefing in Awka, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, extended sympathy to victims who lost goods in the fire. He stressed that the incident could have been avoided with proper precautionary measures but confirmed that there were no fatalities.
“The police appreciate the swift response of the Fire Service and well-meaning individuals who helped put out the fire. We have taken over the scene for investigations and to prevent hoodlums from exploiting the situation,” Orutugu stated.
Similarly, the Anambra Fire Service Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, affirmed that no casualties were recorded, noting that the affected building was mainly used for warehousing and parking traders’ goods.
Chiketa also urged the public to disregard a viral video claiming there were casualties, calling it misleading and an attempt to discredit security agencies.
Authorities have assured residents that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
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