A devastating fire outbreak in the early hours of Friday, May 2, 2025, razed down at least three shops in the bustling Sango area of Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying goods worth millions of naira. The incident, which occurred behind the Fart Oil Filling Station, has left traders counting their losses and calling for increased fire safety awareness in commercial areas.
According to eyewitness accounts and emergency response officials, the blaze began around 4:30 a.m. as a result of an electrical spark from a freezer that had been left plugged in overnight. The spark reportedly ignited nearby flammable materials, triggering a fire that rapidly engulfed the shops.
The Oyo State Fire Service, led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Mrs. Adedeji, swiftly responded to the emergency after receiving a distress call from CSP Adesina at 4:41 a.m. The fire crew arrived at the scene within minutes and managed to extinguish the flames before it could spread to adjacent shops.
Speaking to our correspondent, the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the fire incident, stating, “The fire affected three out of a row of ten prefabricated shops. Our officers acted swiftly and prevented the fire from spreading further. Thankfully, no lives were lost.”
Among the goods destroyed were commercial refrigerators, cartons of drinks, electronics, and other valuable items. Although the exact monetary value of the losses has yet to be officially calculated, traders estimate that the damages run into several millions of naira.
Shop owners, many of whom operate daily from morning till night, expressed deep anguish over the loss of their livelihoods. “I had just restocked my drinks two days ago,” said one affected trader who preferred not to be named. “Everything is gone now. I don’t know how I’ll recover from this.”
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about electrical safety and fire preparedness in urban markets and commercial centres. Electrical faults, particularly from overused or poorly maintained appliances, remain a leading cause of fire outbreaks in Nigeria.
Security personnel were also present at the scene to prevent looting and maintain order as traders and residents gathered around the charred remains of the shops.
Fire service authorities are urging the public to always unplug electrical appliances when not in use and to ensure that wiring and sockets meet safety standards. “Most fires we attend are preventable. Awareness and caution can save lives and property,” Akinyinka added.
Meanwhile, the affected traders have appealed to the Oyo State government and relevant agencies for immediate support, including financial relief and improved fire protection infrastructure in market areas.
As urban populations and commercial activities increase in Ibadan and other cities, experts stress the need for proactive safety education, installation of fire extinguishers in markets, and routine inspections to prevent future disasters.