An inferno has engulfed the Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, South East Nigeria, destroying goods worth millions of naira.
The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Eyewitness, according to various reports, said the fire broke out at about 5am at the popular Abada/Lace Line, where different types of clothing materials are sold.
It was gathered that the inferno first started in a building in the area, popularly known as the White House, which housed offices, halls and shops, before it speedily escalated to other shops in the area.
According one of the eyewitnesses, who gave his name as Sunny Best, the fire outbreak was discovered through thick smoke oozing out from the area, which woke and forced the residents and shop owners in the area to trace and rush to the scene.
On their arrival, it was discovered that the fire had already destroyed many shops.
"We quickly called the State fire service who intervened and put the fire off. This is not first or second this year fire would be razing shops and goods worth millions of naira," he said.
The Anambra State Fire Command had yet to comment on the incident as efforts by SaharaReporters to speak with the Chief Fire Service Officer, Mr Martin Agbili, were unsuccessful as he could not answer his calls.