Fire razes three shops, others in Oyo

In the quiet predawn hours of Friday, May 2, 2025, a catastrophic fire swept through Sango, a bustling commercial area in Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital, reducing three shops to ashes and causing millions of naira in damages. The incident, which broke out behind the Fart Oil filling station at approximately 4:30 a.m., has left local businesses reeling from losses while highlighting the perennial risks of electrical hazards in Nigeria’s informal market setups.

According to eyewitnesses and official reports, the fire originated from a plugged-in freezer located in one of ten prefabricated shops lining the area. An electrical spark from the appliance ignited nearby flammable materials, sparking a rapid inferno. Within minutes, flames consumed three adjacent shops, with goods ranging from freezers and beverages to household valuables being obliterated.

“The blaze started small but spread uncontrollably due to the proximity of the structures and the presence of combustible items,” said Yemi Akinyinka, the State General Manager of Oyo’s Fire Service, who confirmed the incident. The fire service received the emergency call at 4:41 a.m. and dispatched a team led by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Adedeji.

Despite the early hour, firefighters arrived promptly and managed to halt the fire’s spread to neighboring shops. “Our officers worked tirelessly to neutralize the flames,” Akinyinka stated. “Without their intervention, the entire row of shops could have been destroyed.” While no casualties were reported, the economic toll was significant: perishable goods like drinks were incinerated, and appliances like freezers—critical for daily operations—were rendered unusable.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire stemmed from an unattended freezer left plugged in overnight. Akinyinka emphasized that such incidents underscore the dangers of overloading electrical circuits and poor supervision of appliances. “Leaving electrical devices unattended, especially in areas with flammable materials, is a recipe for disaster,” he warned.

For local shop owners, the fire has deepened financial strain. One affected vendor, who declined to be named, lamented the loss of months’ worth of inventory. “I had stocked up for the weekend rush, and now everything is gone,” they said. The destroyed goods, estimated to be worth millions of naira, highlight the fragility of informal businesses that often lack insurance coverage.

The incident has reignited calls for improved fire safety measures in Oyo’s markets. Authorities urge vendors to avoid overloading sockets, store flammable materials securely, and install functional fire extinguishers. “Regular inspections and public awareness campaigns are non-negotiable,” Akinyinka added.