A major fire on Sunday morning destroyed at least 10 shops in a crowded market area in Ibadan, Oyo State, leaving traders counting heavy losses and prompting calls for stronger safety measures.
The blaze broke out in the early hours around 6:30 a.m. at a section of the Oje Market near the city centre. Eyewitnesses said thick smoke quickly billowed from one of the stores before the fire spread to adjacent shops, consuming goods and stock in a matter of minutes.
Traders said the fire started in a shop selling electrical appliances and generators, with flames rapidly igniting fuel‑soaked materials and other merchandise stored nearby. By the time officials of the Oyo State Fire Service and emergency responders arrived, the inferno had already spread to neighbouring structures.
Firefighters battled the blaze for more than two hours, working to contain the flames and prevent them from reaching other parts of the market. There were no fatalities reported, but several traders were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries at a nearby clinic.
Victims and market leaders described the loss as devastating, saying goods destroyed included electronics, clothing, foodstuffs and household items, with estimated losses running into millions of naira. Many traders said they had no insurance coverage for their stock, compounding their financial strain.
Officials from the fire service confirmed that the exact cause of the blaze is under investigation, but initial assessments suggest that an electrical fault or unsafe storage of flammable materials may have triggered the fire. They urged traders to observe proper safety precautions, including regular inspection of wiring and avoidance of storing combustible products too close together.
The state government has been notified of the tragedy, and market leaders have appealed for relief support, compensation or soft loans to help affected traders recover and restock. Residents and onlookers also expressed concern about frequent fire incidents in crowded market spaces, calling for enhanced enforcement of safety regulations.
Post a Comment