Devastating Fire Guts Ilorin Market, Destroying at Least 25 Shops
A massive fire broke out in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, on Saturday morning, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. At least 25 shops were reported to have been destroyed in the blaze.
The fire, which started around 2:39 am, engulfed a block of shops near the Adeta roundabout. Firefighters from the Kwara State Fire Service responded quickly to the incident, and thanks to their swift action, only three shops suffered significant damage.
An investigation into the cause of the fire revealed that it was likely caused by a power surge. The Director of the State Fire Service, Prince John Falade Olumuyiwa, has since sympathized with the owners of the affected shops and urged the public to prioritize safety by unplugging electrical appliances when not in use.
This is the second major fire incident in the country in a short span of time. Just a week ago, a devastating fire swept through Ajah Market in Lagos, causing millions of naira in damages. The fire, which started around 9 pm, quickly spread across numerous shops stocked with highly flammable materials.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services responded promptly to the incident, working together to bring the situation under control. Although the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, no lives were lost or injuries sustained, as the market was closed for the day and traders were not on-site.
LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, praised the response team for preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings and for their efforts to completely extinguish the fire and salvage remaining valuables.
