Goods, household items, and other valuables worth millions of naira were destroyed on Monday evening after a fire outbreak gutted several shops at Ogunpa market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Nigerian Newssphere gathered that the incident occurred at the Iya Maryam Adebara Complex, Rounda area of the market.
Our correspondent learned that no fewer than 10 shops were affected by the inferno, although no life was lost.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to Nigerian Newssphere on Tuesday.
According to Akinwande, the fire service successfully brought the situation under control with the support of officers from the Federal Fire Service, while policemen from the Iyaganku Police Headquarters provided security during the operation.
He explained that the fire was caused by the fueling of a running generator by one of the shop occupants.
“Upon arrival, we met about 10 shops engulfed by flames and thick smoke,” Akinwande said. “Our officers swiftly went into action and prevented the fire from spreading to other shops and nearby properties.”
He added that although 10 shops were affected, several other shops and valuable properties worth billions of naira were saved through the timely intervention of firefighters.
Akinwande further disclosed that no casualties were recorded and noted that the officer-in-charge delivered a lecture on fire prevention to shop owners and sympathizers after the operation.
He urged members of the public to promptly alert fire service officials and provide accurate information whenever emergencies occur, while commending the Nigerian police for the adequate security provided during the firefighting exercise.
