A devastating fire swept through the popular Alesinloye Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, destroying over 70 shops and leaving traders in despair. The inferno, which broke out around midnight on Tuesday, caused losses worth millions of naira.
One of the affected traders, identified as Alhaja Balikis, lamented the destruction of her ten shops, emphasizing the severe financial impact on her and other traders. According to her, the fire originated from two shops opposite the State Fire Service outstation in the market before spreading rapidly.
Efforts to contain the fire were reportedly hindered by delays in the arrival of firefighters and inadequate firefighting equipment. “The enormity of the losses could have been reduced if the Fire Service had responded effectively. The Alesinloye outstation lacks functional trucks,” Balikis stated.
At least three affected traders are currently receiving medical treatment at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Many others are struggling with financial burdens, having lost goods purchased through bank loans.
In response, Oyo State Deputy Governor Barr. Adebayo Lawal visited the site for an assessment and assured victims of the government’s support. He directed an immediate investigation into the incident and ordered the local government chairman, Hon. Kehinde Akande, to provide emergency assistance. Lawal also promised that relief materials would be provided through the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Meanwhile, the Babaloja of Oyo State, Yekeen Abass, urged the traders to remain hopeful, assuring them that Governor Seyi Makinde would address their plight.
As traders continue to count their losses, many are calling for urgent intervention to prevent future occurrences and ensure adequate fire safety measures in the market.
