By Prosper Mene, April 15, 2025
A fire outbreak at a residential building along Okosi Road by Ugwunaobamkpa Junction in Onitsha, Anambra State, has left women in the community struggling with profound losses, exposing their vulnerability in times of crisis. The fire, which erupted on Tuesday evening, gutted homes, destroyed livelihoods, and displaced families, with women bearing a disproportionate burden.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as flames engulfed the building, forcing residents to flee. Women, often the primary caregivers and household managers, were seen frantically trying to salvage belongings and protect children amidst the inferno. “I lost everything—my shop goods, my children’s clothes, our savings,” said Ngozi Okeke, a single mother and trader, her voice breaking. Many women in the area run small businesses from their homes, and the fire obliterated their inventory, plunging them into economic uncertainty.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but residents pointed to frequent power surges and overcrowded living conditions as potential factors. Anambra State Fire Service responded, with firefighters working to contain the blaze, but not before significant damage was done. “We did our best, but the fire spread quickly,” said a fire service official, who noted no fatalities were reported.
For women like Chinyere Nwosu, a widow who lost her tailoring equipment, the road to recovery is daunting. “How do I start again? My machine was my life,” she said. The incident exposes the situation of women in Onitsha, where limited access to insurance or emergency funds exacerbates the impact of such disasters. Community advocates are now calling for targeted relief to support affected women, including micro-grants and rebuilding assistance.
As the Okosi Road community mourns, the resilience of its women shines through, but their plea for aid and systemic change grows urgent. “We need help to stand again,” Okeke said, echoing a collective cry.
The women of Okosi Road show strength despite their community’s grief. They urgently need help and change, echoing Okeke’s plea: “We need help to stand again.”
