17 Cars Burnt To Ashes at Onitsha

At least 17 vehicles were weekend mistakenly set ablaze by scavengers at Mgbuka Obosi market, Idemili North local Government Area of Anambra state The scavengers were said to have set a refuse dump in a gulley ablaze ostensibly to easily detect metals, irons and other needed waste when the inferno suddenly extended and touched a nearby mechanic workshop where 17 vehicles were gutted by the fire.

Speaking on the incident, the Chairman of the Mgbuka market, Chief Emmanuel Obiagwu, accused scavengers of causing the disaster, adding  that the dumping site was earmarked by the state Government for refuse dump.

Exonerating the traders and himself from causing the fire incident, he said the motor mechanic is not part of the market.

“The owner of the mechanic workshop is not our member; he does not pay for security levy and other payments we make. He should not point accusing finger at me or my members and to show sympathy, I mobilized some traders, and called on the fire service men who stormed the scene and put out the fire if not, it would have escalated to the market which would have caused more tragedies.

“I also informed the Awada Divisional Police Officer, (DPO) Mr. Josiah Bakyu who immediately sent his men to the scene”, he said.

A victim, who pleaded anonymity, said: “The car engine I procured for  N 1million and the car have been  burnt.”

Another victim, who simply gave his name as James, said the devil has continued to tempt me.”

Move by some organized youths who were mobilized to cause mayhem, was thwarted by the Mgbuka chairman who sent his vigilance security men.