A fire outbreak on Thursday evening razed down atleast eight shops at the popular Bola-Ige International Business Complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency said it received a distress call about the incident at 7:21 p.m., prompting the immediate deployment of firefighters to the scene, adding that there was no casualty recorded.
Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State Government said it remained committed to the safety and protection of traders and their businesses, adding that the fire was contained before it could spread to neighbouring shops and properties.
The government said the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, the management of the complex and market leaders worked with the Fire Services Agency to manage the situation.
According to the Fire Services Agency’s operational report, the first firefighting team, led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent Adisa Wasiu, arrived at the scene and began efforts to put out the fire.
Two additional fire trucks were later deployed from the agency’s headquarters under the supervision of the Director of Operations, Engr. I. A. Adeleke, to reinforce the operation.
The combined efforts of the firefighters and other stakeholders eventually brought the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the complex.
The agency confirmed that eight shops were affected, while no life was lost. The firefighting operation ended later that night, with the fire trucks returning to their station at about 11:32 p.m.
The government said preliminary findings suggested that the fire may have started from electrical sparks linked to an inverter system in one of the affected shops, which allegedly ignited nearby combustible materials.
It, however, stressed that the cause had not been conclusively established and remained subject to further investigation.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade, visited the scene on behalf of the Commissioner, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, where he engaged market leaders, traders, firefighters and other stakeholders.
Okesade also offered support and reassurance to the affected traders, while the ministry said it would continue to give attention to their welfare and concerns.
The government commended the Fire Services Agency, market leaders, traders, complex management and the Nigeria Police Force, Gbagi Divisional Headquarters, for their roles in containing the outbreak.
In a related development, the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged traders and residents to remain vigilant and report fire emergencies promptly.
Akinwande advised shop owners, market managers and households to provide and maintain functional fire extinguishers, while ensuring that access roads and emergency routes remained free of obstructions to allow firefighters to respond without hindrance.
He also urged members of the public to provide clear addresses when reporting emergencies to aid a timely response.
The Oyo State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe business environment and protecting traders and their investments across the state.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency can be reached on 08067439223, 08054353501 or the toll-free emergency line 615.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
