A raging fire swept through the Bola Ige Market in Gbagi, Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Sunday afternoon, destroying shops and goods worth millions of naira.
The fire, which started at about 1:23 p.m., reportedly began from one of the shops in the bustling textile market before spreading rapidly to nearby stalls. The inferno caused panic among traders and residents of the area, with thick smoke seen billowing from the scene.
Eyewitnesses said they had no idea how the fire started but noticed flames and smoke quickly engulfing a section of the market.
“We just saw smoke rising and everyone started running. Before long, fire had taken over many shops. People were crying and trying to save what they could,” said one of the affected traders, who identified herself simply as Iya Bashiru.
Despite the quick response from the Oyo State Fire Services, several shops were already consumed by the time the flames were brought under control.
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of the State Fire Services, Reverend Akinremi Akinyinka, said multiple calls were received from both market stakeholders and law enforcement officers as the fire erupted.
“We received calls from our officers at Gbagi station, the Divisional Police Officer of Gbagi, and several market leaders at around 1:23 p.m. Our men moved in swiftly to contain the fire,” he said.
He added, “The fire is now under control and our officers are currently at the scene to cool down the area to prevent any reignition.”
Traders who lost their wares to the blaze called on the government to urgently look into the recurring fire outbreaks across markets in Oyo State and help with relief measures.
“This is not the first time something like this is happening. We need help, and we need preventive measures so this doesn’t happen again,” a trader lamented.
