A late-night fire outbreak on Thursday wreaked havoc at the Mayegun Cement Store section of Araromi Market, located at Agodi-Gate in Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying no fewer than 12 shops and property worth several millions of naira.
Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted that the blaze started at approximately 10:55 p.m., engulfing Block A, Shop No. 64, before rapidly spreading to adjacent lockup shops. The fire raged uncontrollably for over three hours, despite efforts by traders and residents, before being eventually brought under control by firefighters.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was triggered by an electrical surge, which came into contact with highly flammable materials within one of the affected shops. The spark reportedly intensified due to the late hour, as most shop owners had closed for the day, limiting immediate response.
Confirming the incident to journalists on Friday in Ibadan, the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Rev. Yemi Akinyinka, disclosed that the agency received a distress call at exactly 11:02 p.m. on April 10, 2025. He said the report was made via telephone by a concerned individual identified as Mr. Young.
According to him, “Upon receiving the alert at 23:02 hours, our team led by Chief Fire Superintendent Jimoh was swiftly mobilised to the location. On arrival, we met several lockup shops already engulfed in flames, and our men immediately swung into action to prevent further spread.”
Akinyinka revealed that while 12 shops were severely affected by the inferno, firefighters were able to contain the flames and safeguard numerous other shops in the vicinity, thus averting what could have been a far more catastrophic disaster.
“Our appliance returned to base at about 3:18 a.m., after ensuring that the fire was completely extinguished and the area was safe. While we deeply regret the losses suffered, we are grateful that no lives were lost and that many other businesses in the market were saved,” he added.
The fire incident has left many traders counting their losses, with appeals now being made to government authorities and relevant agencies for urgent support and intervention. Meanwhile, the state fire service has once again urged market operators and residents to take fire safety precautions seriously, especially in areas where electrical installations are close to combustible materials.
Leave feedback about this