HUMANITARIAN
Mayor Timothy Kalu Iheke Visits Fire-Ravaged Store in Aba North, Commiserates With Victim, Praises Swift Intervention of Abia Fire Service
The Mayor of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, on Monday visited a provision and beverage store affected by an early-morning fire outbreak along Brass Road, Aba, to assess the level of damage and sympathize with the shop owner.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 12, 2026, at about 2:00 a.m., at a shop located at No. 49 Brass Road, Aba, directly beside Oris Club and Lounge. The affected store belongs to Mrs. Uchechi, who narrated that the fire was caused by a spark from faulty electrical wiring.
According to her, several goods, mainly provisions, medicine and beverages, were destroyed by the fire. She, however, described as miraculous the fact that a fuel-filled generator kept inside the shop did not catch fire, noting that its ignition could have resulted in a far more devastating disaster for the area.
Mrs. Uchechi further disclosed that the situation was brought under control following the prompt response of the Abia State Fire Service. She explained that staff of Oris Club and Lounge raised the alarm and immediately contacted the Fire Service, whose timely intervention prevented the fire from escalating and spreading to nearby buildings.
While addressing the victim at the scene, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke expressed deep sympathy to Mrs. Uchechi and her family over the unfortunate incident. He reassured her of the concern and support of the Aba North Local Government and invited her to the council headquarters to enable the local government explore possible ways of assisting her to recover from the loss.
The Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Hon. Obialor Denis Anyanwu, who was also present, revealed that another fire incident had occurred earlier the same day at Okpulo Umuobo, which he had personally visited to assess. He thanked God that the Brass Road fire did not escalate beyond control and prayed for continued divine support for the government in responding effectively to such emergencies.
Hon. Anyanwu also commended the Abia State Fire Service for their responsiveness, stressing that their professionalism helped avert what could have been a major catastrophe in a densely populated area of Aba.
The Mayor of Aba North was joined during the visit by the Councillor representing Old GRA Ward 7 under Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Julius, as they collectively inspected the affected premises and offered words of encouragement to the victim.
The visit underscores the commitment of the Aba North Local Government leadership to rapid response, compassion, and community engagement in times of distress, while also highlighting the critical role of emergency services in safeguarding lives and property ac
ross the city.