Ibadan recorded a major fire incident on Wednesday when flames destroyed eight shops at No 2, Mobolorunduro, Balaro Street in the Oju-Odo Academy area of Ona-Ara Local Government Area. The fire affected a row of 11 shops and caused significant losses for traders.
The outbreak occurred in the early hours. Residents raised alarm after they noticed smoke from the shops. Firefighters from the Oyo State Fire Service arrived promptly at the scene. They worked swiftly to contain the blaze before it spread further.
Director of the Oyo State Fire Service Prince Akinyemi Akinyode confirmed the agency received the distress call early. He said his men responded within minutes and prevented the fire from destroying the remaining three shops. Akinyode added that no casualties occurred during the incident.
Transitioning to the damage assessment, traders reported huge losses. They lost goods including foodstuffs, clothing and electronics. Eyewitnesses estimated the value of destroyed property in millions of naira. Many shop owners expressed shock as they surveyed the burnt structures.
Local traders gathered at the scene after the fire subsided. They described how the quick intervention by firefighters saved part of the market. However they lamented the destruction of their means of livelihood. Some traders called for better market infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks.
Officials from Ona-Ara Local Government visited the site. They promised to support affected traders and coordinate with state authorities for relief. The cause of the fire remained under investigation as officials examined electrical faults and other possible triggers.
The Oyo State Fire Service urged residents to observe safety rules. Officials asked market operators to install functional extinguishers and avoid illegal electrical connections. The agency committed to continued vigilance across Ibadan markets.
