The Anambra State Police Command has refuted reports of casualties following an early morning fire that engulfed a two-storey building storing textile materials on Ifejika Street, near Main Market, Onitsha.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed in a statement on Friday that no lives were lost in the incident. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he reiterated that earlier reports of fatalities were false.
During a media briefing in Awka, the Commissioner of Police for Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, expressed sympathy for the victims of the fire, noting that the incident could have been avoided with proper precautionary measures.
“However, no lives were lost. The Command appreciates the support of the Fire Service and well-meaning individuals in ensuring the fire was extinguished. The police have taken over the scene to investigate the cause of the fire and prevent hoodlums from exploiting the situation to commit crimes,” Orutugu stated.
The Fire Chief of the Anambra Fire Service, Mr. Chukwudi Chiketa, also confirmed that no fatalities were recorded. He urged the public to dismiss a viral video claiming otherwise, labeling it as fake and an attempt to discredit security agencies.
Authorities have assured residents that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing while urging traders and warehouse owners to adopt better fire prevention measures.
