Fire destroys 17 shops in Ibadan market

A massive fire erupted early Monday morning at the Moniya market in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, destroying goods worth millions of naira.

The blaze, which started around 12:30 a.m., reportedly resulted from a power surge, leaving 17 shops in ruins and causing significant losses.

Many traders lost valuable goods and cash to the fire, which left the community in shock.

During a visit to the scene, The PUNCH reported the extent of the devastation, with traders and community leaders expressing their grief.

The Babaloja of Moniya Garage, Kolawole Balogun, and the Chairman of the Garage, Saliu Bello, recounted being alerted by a security guard about the fire in the early hours.

Both leaders voiced concern over the severe losses incurred by affected traders and called for government intervention to support those impacted by the disaster.

Balogun said, “I rushed to the market as soon as I got the call. We lost multimillion-naira goods. The prompt arrival of the fire service prevented even greater devastation.

“In addition to the goods, cash in millions of naira was also destroyed. Many traders often store their money in their shops when they leave for the night.”

Several victims, including Yetunde Musa, Ajetunmobi Idowu, Olaide Badmus, Balogun Sulaimon, and Ajetunmobi Kolawole, called on the government to provide immediate support for those affected.

More details to follow…