The Oyo State Fire Services Agency on Friday successfully contained a major fire outbreak at Bode Herbal Market in Ibadan, preventing the blaze from spreading to adjoining shops and averting what could have been a more devastating disaster.
The incident was reported at exactly 4:43 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, through a distress call received via GSM from Mr. Akeusola.
Following the alert, firefighters from the Oyo State Fire Services Headquarters, led by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Adekola, swiftly mobilised to the scene. Upon arrival, they found a block of prefabricated shops engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing from the affected section of the market.
The firefighters immediately launched intensive firefighting operations and, due to the scale of the inferno, requested reinforcement. Three additional fire trucks were subsequently deployed to support the operation.
Through a coordinated and sustained effort, the fire was successfully brought under control and completely extinguished, preventing it from spreading to nearby shops and other properties within the market.
The agency confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident, while the cause of the fire is yet to be determined and remains under investigation.
After the operation, the Director of Operations of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Engr. Ismail Adeleke, addressed traders and members of the public on fire safety. He urged residents and business owners to immediately notify the Fire Service whenever a fire emergency occurs to ensure prompt intervention and minimise losses.
The firefighting operation was concluded successfully, with all personnel and equipment returning safely to the station at about 3:00 p.m., after which they resumed standby for emergency response.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, called on members of the public to remain vigilant and adopt proactive fire safety measures.
He stressed the need for every shop and business premises to be equipped with functional fire extinguishers to help contain fire outbreaks at the early stage before they escalate.
Akinwande also appealed to residents to promptly report fire emergencies and provide accurate location details to facilitate quick response by firefighters. He advised the public to contact the Oyo State Fire Services Agency through its emergency lines: 08067439223, 08054353501, or 615 (toll-free) whenever a fire incident occurs.
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