Story Written by Joseph December 21,2025
A devastating fire outbreak, reportedly triggered by a candle, has destroyed a residential building in Agbama Housing Estate, Umuahia, leaving an Abia couple, Mr and Mrs Godwin Nwosu, and their four children homeless.

The fire reportedly broke out after the children, who had been using a candle to read, fell asleep. At the time of the incident, the parents were away from the house.

Appealing for assistance, Mr and Mrs Nwosu said the inferno consumed all their possessions, leaving nothing to be salvaged.

Speaking through tears, Mrs Nwosu explained that the candle was lit to enable the children study during a prolonged power outage in the Agbama area. She added that the family had been relying on candlelight due to the absence of electricity, as she was also preparing for her NCE examinations.

Her husband, Mr Godwin Nwosu, a tricycle operator in Umuahia, described the incident as heartbreaking, saying the fire destroyed everything the family had worked for throughout 2025, reducing their efforts to ashes.

According to him, the entire building was razed before help could arrive, as both parents were not at home when the fire started.

While expressing gratitude that their four children escaped unharmed, the couple appealed to the Abia public and relevant authorities for temporary shelter and financial support to help them rebuild their lives.