By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Hundreds of shops were destroyed in an early Monday fire at Oranyan Market, Ibadan North-East, Oyo State. The fire reportedly started around midnight after an explosion in the market. Firefighters contained the inferno by 1am, while authorities began investigating its cause. However, officials have not confirmed the exact number of shops or goods destroyed.
Fire Breaks Out at Oranyan Market
The latest fire outbreak has caused widespread concern among traders and residents in Ibadan.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started around midnight. However, they could not confirm the exact time.
The blaze reportedly affected several sections of the market. Traders selling gold, furniture and second-hand clothes suffered losses.
An eyewitness described the incident as highly devastating. The scale of the destruction remains difficult to determine.
Firefighters Contain Inferno
The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms, Morof Akinwande, confirmed the incident.
Akinwande also chairs the Oyo State Fire Services.
He said firefighters brought the situation under control by 1am. Their swift response prevented the flames from spreading further.
According to him, the fire started in the middle of the market. He added that an explosion occurred before the fire spread.
However, authorities have not confirmed the source of the explosion.
Investigators will determine whether gas or another source caused the blast.
Officials Yet to Confirm Number of Destroyed Shops
Akinwande cautioned against releasing unverified figures about the damage.
He explained that officials must complete their assessment before confirming the number of affected shops.
“On the number of shops and inventory, that is too early,” he said.
He added that officials could only establish the figures after the investigation.
However, unconfirmed reports suggest that more than 200 shops may have suffered damage.
Authorities have yet to verify that figure.
Oranyan Market Has Recorded Previous Fire Outbreaks
The latest incident has renewed concerns about market fires across Oyo State.
Traders often face devastating losses when fires destroy shops and goods.
A similar incident occurred at the herbal section of Oranyan Market in 2024.
Reports at the time said more than 200 shops were completely destroyed.
The recurring incidents have increased calls for stronger fire prevention measures in major markets.
Another Ibadan Market Fire Recorded Days Earlier
The Oranyan Market fire occurred barely two days after another market inferno in Ibadan.
That incident destroyed nine locked-up shops at the Nigerian Railway Shopping Complex.
The complex sits along the popular Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
The two incidents have further raised concerns about fire safety in commercial areas.
Oyo Fire Agency Begins Investigation
The Oyo State Fire Agency has started investigating the latest inferno.
Officials will assess the affected shops and determine the extent of the losses.
They will also investigate the reported explosion that preceded the fire.
Meanwhile, traders affected by the incident face significant financial losses.
Authorities are expected to provide more details after completing the damage assessment.
