Tension as explosion rocks Anambra market

There was tension at a settlement known as Kara Market along Atani Road, Ogbaru near Onitsha in Anambra state, following an explosion late on Tuesday.

Confirming the incident, Ali Okechukwu, police public relations officer (PPRO) in Anambra, said at least 12 people sustained injuries from the incident.

He said the explosion was caused by fuel stored in a jerrycan for future use.

“The explosion was not a bomb as being speculated by people. A jerrycan of petrol that was brought to the settlement exploded around the area and some people sustained various degrees of burns,” he said.

“They were taken to various hospitals and are currently receiving treatment. No death was recorded.”

Okechukwu said the police had taken control of the situation and advised people to stop panic buying and storage of fuel because of the danger such practice posed in the event of an explosion or fire incident.

However, Sambo Mohamed, a witness and leader of the settlement, told NAN that the incident occurred at a restaurant in the market.

Mohammed alleged that the explosion might have been from a bomb brought into the market by an unknown person.

“An unidentified boy walked into a restaurant with three jerry cans demanding for food and left almost immediately without eating the food, leaving the jerrycans behind,” he said.

“Some minutes later, one of the jerrycans, exploded leaving many people injured.

“The victims had severe burns that you cannot even hold their skin to carry them to hospital.”

Another witness, who pleaded anonymity, described the incident as “unfortunate”.

The source said that the victims were taken to five hospitals – Good News Hospital and Chioma Clinic both in Ogbaru; Toronto and Borromew Hospitals in Onitsha, and the General Hospital at Asaba, Delta state.

“This has been a peaceful market until yesterday. We are now disorganised and afraid of what might happen next,” the source said.

Narrating her ordeal, one of the victims, Mariam Mohammed, who is receiving treatment at one of the hospitals, said she was washing dishes at the restaurant when the explosion occurred.

“I was washing plates when suddenly I heard a loud noise and fire spreading everywhere. Substances from the fire poured on people eating and those standing near the restaurant. It was then that I realised I was affected too,” she said.

Joseph Evbomemen, a doctor at the hospital where Mohammed was receiving treatment, said she suffered serious burns on the body.

“The patient is now stable unlike yesterday that she was disoriented. They brought in two patients; this woman and one other boy,” he said.

“The boy was badly injured, so we referred him to Borromew Hospital and started treating the woman. We had to remove the surface skin but she has improved.

“The explosion affected Mrs Mohammed’s limbs and skull.’

The settlement, formerly a cattle market, now harbours artisans, labourers, onions and poultry dealers.

Meanwhile, two police patrol vehicles have been stationed in front of the market while traders were seen going about their normal businesses.