A devastating fire has gutted the popular Araromi spare parts market at Agodi-Gate in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, destroying goods and properties worth millions of naira.
The fire reportedly began around 2 a.m. on Saturday and has continued to rage, despite efforts by the Oyo State Fire Services to bring it under control. The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, described the situation as critical and called for assistance.
“We are battling with a serious inferno at Agodi-Gate. Help us to call water tanker owners to assist us. We are still here battling with the situation,” Akinyinka said.
As firefighters worked to contain the blaze, hoodlums reportedly broke into several shops, looting and harassing fire service personnel. Akinyinka raised concerns over the harassment, saying it has hampered firefighting efforts.
“Hoodlums have broken into shops at Araromi Agodi-Gate, and they are embarrassing and harassing men and officers of the Fire Service,” he said.
This is the latest in a series of fire incidents in Ibadan. Earlier this week, a fire destroyed three shops on Sunday morning, though 13 others were saved by the prompt response of the state fire services.
On Friday, a tragic fire claimed the lives of a husband, his wife, and their grandson in the Ori-Eru, Idikan area of the city, affecting a storey building.
Last week, fire engulfed a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church during a vigil in the Lagelu Local Government Area, reportedly trapping several worshippers.
