Sunday, February 1, 2026 - Fire has gutted a residential building at Fabikez Street, Omagba Phase 2, in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing a 95-year-old woman who was reportedly trapped for several hours.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, but it was
gathered that the inferno, which started in one of the apartments in the
two-storey building at about 5:15 pm on Friday, spread to adjoining apartments
before it was brought under control by officials of the Anambra State Fire
Service after several hours.
It was learnt that the blaze, which reportedly caused damage
running into several millions of naira, was eventually contained with the
intervention of residents and passersby, while firefighters made frantic
efforts to extinguish the fire.
The landlord of the building could not be reached for
comments, but a resident, identified simply as Uche, who spoke to our
correspondent on Saturday, said it was a terrifying experience.
“It was a fearful moment at the compound last night when
thick smoke accompanied by fire suddenly engulfed part of the two-storey
building and began spreading rapidly.
“The incident was greeted with shouts and panic from tenants
and nearby residents, who made frantic efforts to put out the fire before the
arrival of firefighters.
“Unfortunately, an elderly woman who was trapped during the
incident did not survive,” he said.
Confirming the incident in a press statement on Saturday,
the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by the
state fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters and a truck were deployed
to the scene after a distress call was received.
Chiketa said, “A fire outbreak occurred at No. 9 Fabikez
Street, Omagba Phase 2, Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State on
Friday.
“The Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call at
about 5:08 pm and promptly mobilised its personnel to the scene.
“Firefighters battled the inferno and successfully brought
it under control, preventing further spread to adjoining buildings.
“The fire service crew returned to the station at
approximately 7:45 pm the same day. The cause of the fire remains unknown as
investigations are ongoing.
“Sadly, a 95-year-old woman was trapped during the incident,
and one casualty was recorded.
“The Anambra State Fire Service reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and advises residents to be fire-conscious, remain vigilant and promptly report fire emergencies for swift response.”
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