A devastating fire swept through sections of the popular Bode Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, in the early hours of Friday, destroying more than 100 shops and goods valued at millions of naira.
The blaze reportedly started around 4:00 a.m., with flames rapidly spreading across the market’s herbal section before emergency responders arrived. Traders watched helplessly as years of investment, merchandise, and property were consumed by the inferno.
Several affected shop owners were seen inspecting the damage and trying to recover any items that survived the fire, while many lamented the destruction of their businesses and means of livelihood.
Despite the scale of the incident, no casualties were recorded.
The Babaloja General of Oyo State, Yekeen Abass, visited the market alongside members of the market leadership to sympathise with victims. He expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and assured traders that efforts would be made to seek government support to help ease the impact of their losses.
Speaking for the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, the agency’s Director of Operations, Ismael Adeleke, disclosed that firefighters received an emergency call at about 4:33 a.m. and immediately mobilised to the scene.
He explained that although several shops had already been engulfed by the time firefighters arrived, the team succeeded in bringing the situation under control and stopped the flames from spreading to other parts of the market.
The affected traders have appealed to the government and relevant authorities for assistance to help them rebuild their businesses after the disaster.
Bode Market is one of Ibadan’s largest commercial centres and is widely known for the sale of herbs, animal skins, and other traditional products.
Fire Guts Over 100 Shops at Ibadan’s Bode Market, Traders Count Heavy Losses
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