In a startling incident in the early hours of Monday, Sopurum Hotel and Suites, a renowned establishment situated at the 3-3 Housing Estate junction in Onitsha, Anambra State, fell victim to a devastating fire, resulting in significant losses amounting to millions of naira.
This upscale hotel has long been a favored choice among esteemed security chiefs on their visits to Onitsha, as well as discerning individuals seeking luxurious accommodations.
The unfortunate incident was reported to have erupted around 3:30 am on Monday, with eyewitnesses indicating that it originated from an electrical section before swiftly engulfing the entire premises, causing extensive damage.
Authorities have yet to ascertain the exact cause of the fire in the hotel’s electrical section, which occurred while some guests were still asleep.
Prompt action by the fire service units from Asaba Delta and Anambra States, fortunately, contained the blaze before it could engulf the entire building and potentially impact the nearby filling station.
The Anambra State Fire Chief, Martins Agbili, could not be reached for immediate comment as calls and text messages to his telephone line went unanswered at the time of compiling this report.
However, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, assuring that the situation was under control.
According to DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, “The situation is under control. The fire started around 4:30 am on Monday, and when we received the information, our officers promptly mobilized to the scene, cordoning off the area to prevent any potential acts of vandalism. Thanks to their timely response, there was no loss of life. The fire service personnel are actively managing the situation and have the fire well-contained.”
Residents residing in the 3-3 Housing Estate were left in a state of trepidation due to the severity of the fire’s potential impact.
Had the fire not been promptly quelled, the entire hotel and possibly neighboring residences could have been devastated.
During this tense situation, the Nigerian Army played a significant role in safeguarding the premises.
With a checkpoint directly opposite the hotel for over a decade, the soldiers diligently prevented any opportunistic criminal activities that could have arisen amidst the chaos and commotion.
Notably, the Nigerian Army soldiers were well-aware of the hotel owner’s amicable disposition and the esteem they hold within their ranks.
Consequently, they actively contributed to maintaining order and ensuring that no looting or vandalism took place during the incident.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this distressing event, authorities will undoubtedly conduct a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire, in hopes of preventing similar occurrences in the future.
