Some in the popular Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia State have been razed by fire.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning.

Some traders were able to suppress the fire but it had already spread to the other side of the market.

Emergency services are currently on the ground, assessing the cause of the incident.

Ariaria International Market, also known as ‘China of Africa’, is known for selling shoemaking and leather works. It is arguably one of the largest markets in West Africa with an estimated two million traders. Manufacturers in the market boast that their clientele base extends beyond the shores of Africa.

Media reports showed that between 2019 and 2021, Nigeria experienced severe fire incidents, leading to 79 deaths out of 68 fires recorded in 18 months.

Also, statistics from the Federal Fire Service (FFS) indicates that between 2020 and 2021, a total of 4,541 calls were made to the agency nationwide and 378 rescue emergencies were recorded.