The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed reports of casualties in the fire outbreak that engulfed a two-storey building storing textile materials 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, reaffirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.
Ikenga recalled that an official statement had already been issued, clarifying that there were no casualties in the fire that occurred on Ifejika Street.
During a media briefing in Awka, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, sympathized with those affected by the warehouse fire.
“Regrettably, before I go into the details of some notable achievements recorded by the Command, we wish to sympathise with the victims of the warehouse fire.
“The incident could have been avoided if necessary precautionary measures had been taken.
“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 said.
Similarly, the Fire Chief of the Anambra Fire Service, Mr. Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed that there were no fatalities in the warehouse fire.
“To the best of my knowledge, there were no fatalities. The area is mainly used for parking and warehousing traders’ goods.
“The fire occurred in the morning, and to the best of my knowledge, no casualties were recorded. I did not witness any casualties,” he reiterated.
Chiketa urged the public to disregard a viral video suggesting there were casualties, describing it as misleading and an attempt to undermine the efforts of security agencies.
