Two escape death in Anambra factory fire

Two persons escaped death when a devastating fire incident occurred on Wednesday at the Ngobros Factory, located on 11 Obidiah Road, near Chartered Junction, Abubor Nnewi-Ichi, Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Although the cause of the fire has not been ascertained, it was gathered that the fire, which emanated from a corner of the factory at about 5:45am on Wednesday, also burnt office equipment and property, including tissue papers and Pampers, before the arrival of the men of the state fire service.

Eyewitnesses near the scene told our correspondent who visited the factory that the fire raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived and battled to prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.

“Production machines, office equipment, materials such as tissue papers and Pampers, as well as other valuables worth billions of naira, were destroyed at the factory by the mystery fire on Wednesday morning.

“About two persons (workers) who were initially trapped were later rescued by the firefighters. The fire took residents by surprise as they were still fast asleep when it started. But firefighters were on the ground to battle the inferno.

“The fire service men battled for several hours to quench the fire. You know how inflammable pampers and tissue papers can be,” one of the eyewitnesses added.

Also reacting to the incident, an Internal Auditor of the company, Mr Chikelu Edwin, described it as a “mystery fire”, adding that there was no electricity supply at the section where the fire started, which made them to be surprised.

Also, the Commander of Fire Service in charge of Nnewi Zone F Machine Parts, Anwuobi Jeremiah, disclosed that his office was alerted by 5:30am when they rushed to the scene of the incident to fight the fire.

He, however, said no casualties were recorded, while the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.

Also confirming the incident to our correspondent, Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said a crew and firefighting equipment were immediately dispatched after receiving the distress call.

Chiketa said, “An early morning fire erupted today at Ngobros Factory, located at 11 Obidiah Road, near Chartered Junction, Abubor Nnewi-Ichi, Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, prompting a swift and coordinated response from the Anambra State Fire Service.

“The distress call was received at exactly 0610 hours (6:10am) on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Without hesitation, the state Fire Service mobilised its gallant firefighters alongside fully equipped firefighting trucks, which were immediately deployed to the scene.

“Upon arrival, firefighters were met with an active fire within the factory premises. Through rapid intervention and professional firefighting techniques, the blaze is being brought under control, preventing further spread and minimising potential damage.

“The Fire Service remains on the ground to ensure complete extinguishment, secure the environment, and rule out any chance of re-ignition. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.”

As of the time of filing this report, firefighters were still on the ground controlling the situation.

PUNCH  Metro had reported on November 21 that an early morning fire destroyed several shops in a three-storey commercial building at the Nodu Market, behind Juhel Pharmaceutical Company, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The blaze, which reportedly caused damage worth several million naira, was brought under control by the Anambra State Fire Service.

Fortunately, no casualties were recorded. The cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, but preliminary reports suggest it may have started after an occupant fell asleep while cooking.

PUNCH Metro reported in March that fire burnt about nine shops located at No. 112 Ziks Avenue, by Osamala, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, destroying goods worth millions.

Although there was no casualty recorded, it was gathered that the fire was caused by a power surge which came from one of the shops.