Tag: Ibadan market

Textiles, clothing materials and other items worth millions of naira were yesterday lost when fire gutted some shops at the Bola Ige International Market, Gbagi, Ibadan.

The incident, it was gathered, started around 1pm.

Although many of the shop owners and larger parts of the market were not open for business on Sunday, the incident sent panic waves across the capital city as many of the traders and people living in the area were seen rushing to the scene of the incident.

While the fire raged, many traders were seen rushing to the market from various directions to be sure their section was not affected.

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The cause of the fire could not be ascertained.

 General Manager, State Fire Services, Mr Akinremi Akinyinka, said: “We received calls from our officers at Gbagi station, DPO Gbagi station and many market leaders at around 1: 23 pm.

“Our men got there around 1;30pm. Two shops are well alighted. The fire is under control and men are still cooling down.”

Over 40 shops have burnt at the Herb Section of a popular Oranyan Market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Though no life was lost, the fire destroyed multimillion naira properties and herbs.

Shop owners were seen in groups, lamenting the incident when The Nation visited the market.

Some of the victims, Fatimoh Adebimpe (the Market Youth Leader); Kafaya Lucky and Kehinde Moronfade, lamented that the cause of the incident was still sketchy as no single food vendor was in the market.

Adebimpe, who said she had been in the market since 1979, said: “We normally resume here around 7.00am and close by 7.00pm as well.

“Whenever they ring a bell or you hear the sound of a bell in the evening, you must take your leave. So, some of us were already at our different homes when those living close to the market started calling us around 10pm that the market was on fire.

“What could have caused this? We are not connected to the national grid, because it’s a taboo. We are not using electricity. Nobody is selling food here. So, we are still in total confusion.

“I cannot say this is what I lost in that fire. I just bought some things like full tiger skin; and many other things that I may not want in the paper.

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“Though, the local government officials who control this area were here this morning (Monday), and they promised to do something. We are hopeful.”

Another victim, Lucky, said: “I have a lot of money in the shop. The reason we always kept money there is because of hunters that normally bring different animals for us.

“If you are unable to pay immediately, they may take it to another person. Forget whether he is your customer. So, you must always have money with you.

That’s why we are keeping money in the shops.”

Moronfade said: “I just got a loan on Friday, and this disaster happened the next day. It’s so pathetic. No traces of burning or cooking in the market. Honestly, I’m devastated.”

Meanwhile, the General Manager, Oyo State State Fire Services, Yemi Akinyinka while confirming the incident said the Fire Services Headquarters received a fire emergency call at 23:25hours on the incident.

“The incident affected 20 prefabricated shops out of multiple adjourning rows of shops.

“The property worth millions of naira were affected, while property worth billions of naira were saved, but no life was lost. Our personnel returned back to the station at 3:36hours.”