ABA NORTH CHAIRMAN HON. TIMOTHY KALU IHEKE VISITS VICTIMS OF FIRE INCIDENT AT NEW UMUAHIA ROAD, ASSURES COUNCIL SUPPORT

In a swift show of empathy and leadership, the Executive Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, on Tuesday visited the site of a recent fire outbreak that destroyed several shops along No. 36 New Umuahia Road, Umuola Ward 8, under Aba North LGA.

The incident, which occurred last upper Sunday, left behind trails of devastation as properties, goods, and valuable business equipment were consumed by the inferno. Among those affected was Mr. Anyaso Kelechi Kelvin, a poultry equipment and feed accessories dealer, who narrated that the fire erupted while he was attending a church service. According to him, he received distress calls from friends and neighbours informing him that his shop was ablaze.

He explained that the Abia State Fire Service responded promptly to the emergency and was able to contain the fire before it spread further. Preliminary reports suggest that the inferno may have originated from a solar panel installed on the roof of one of the affected shops, though investigations are still ongoing to ascertain the actual cause.

Moved by the extent of loss suffered by the victims, Hon. Iheke expressed deep sympathy, describing the incident as heartbreaking and unfortunate, especially for hardworking traders trying to sustain their livelihoods in challenging economic times. He assured the victims that the council will look into ways to assist them in recovering from their losses.

The Chairman urged the affected traders to visit his office for further discussions on possible intervention measures from the local government, reiterating his administration’s commitment to supporting small business owners and protecting local commerce.

Hon. Timothy Iheke was accompanied during the visit by the Councillor representing Umuola Ward 8, Hon. Godwill Ogbonnaya, the Supervisory Councillor for Works, Hon. Omeoma Nwogbe, and his Chief Security Officer (CSO), Hon. Anthony Uche Nge.

The Chairman’s visit brought a sense of relief and hope to the victims, many of whom commended his prompt response and leadership style, describing it as a reflection of the compassionate governance being promoted across Abia State under the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.