Goods, household items and other valuables were destroyed on Monday evening after a fire outbreak gutted several shops at Iya Maryam Adebara Complex Rounda in Ogunpa Market, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The incident affected no fewer than ten shops within the bustling market, which is one of the major commercial hubs in the city. Ogunpa Market, located along the Ogunpa River channel, has over the years recorded periodic fire incidents and flooding challenges, raising concerns about safety and infrastructure within the area.
Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday. He stated that firefighters responded promptly to the distress call and were supported by personnel from the Federal Fire Service.
“Upon arrival, we met ten (10) shops out of several shops in the market engulfed by flames.
“Our officers swiftly got into action and prevented the fire from spreading to other shops and nearby properties.
“The Federal Fire Service also joined hands with us to extinguish the fire. No casualty was recorded.
“The fire was as a result of fueling of a running generator by one of the occupants.
“Properties worth billions of naira were saved by the firefighters.”
The fire was eventually contained, preventing further destruction in the densely packed market environment. No injuries or loss of life were reported in the incident.
