Devastating Fire Razes Over 500 Shops in Oyo Market — NEMA

The South-West Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency, Kadiri Olanrewaju, stated on Thursday that over 500 shops and stalls were destroyed in a fire at the popular Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The PUNCH reports that the fire, which broke out around 10:15 pm on Tuesday in the Ibadan South West Local Government Area, destroyed goods and property worth several millions of naira.

This was contained in an on-the-spot assessment report on the incident, obtained by our correspondent in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday.

Olanrewaju said initial estimates put financial losses in the hundreds of millions of naira, noting that many traders had recently restocked their businesses, worsening their financial burden.

He added that the fire had severely disrupted economic activities, affecting both traders and supply chains.

“No fatalities were recorded. However, several individuals sustained minor injuries from smoke inhalation and shock while attempting to salvage their goods. Over 500 shops and stalls were destroyed,” Olanrewaju said.

“Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fire started in the Plastic Merchants section of the market before rapidly spreading to surrounding stalls due to the highly flammable nature of the stored goods.

“Emergency response teams included the state fire service, private fire units from SWEETCO and SUMAL, market security personnel, and local volunteers.”

Olanrewaju noted that efforts to control the fire were hindered by the lack of a functional fire truck at the market’s fire station and an inadequate water supply.

Despite these challenges, responders managed to prevent the fire from spreading to other sections of the market.

In response to the incident, the State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, visited the market to assess the damage. The state government has pledged to provide immediate relief support to affected traders through the State Emergency Management Agency and NEMA.

Authorities are also investigating the cause of the fire and implementing preventive measures.

To reduce the risk of future incidents, NEMA has recommended: strengthening fire safety measures, equipping market fire stations with functional fire trucks and adequate water supply, conducting regular fire drills and safety training for traders, enhancing emergency response infrastructure, establishing a well-equipped emergency response unit within the market.

“Strengthening partnerships between the Federal and State Governments and private organisations to improve disaster response, supporting affected traders, providing emergency relief packages to help traders recover.”