The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has extinguished a fire outbreak at Bola Ige International Market, New Gbagi, Ibadan, which affected eight large shops on Thursday evening.
The incident, which recorded no casualties, was reported at about 7:21 p.m. on October 29, 2026, following a distress call from one SFS Oni, who alerted the agency to the fire outbreak in one of the market’s units.
A firefighting team led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent Adisa Wasiu promptly mobilised to the scene, where several shops were already engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing from the affected area.
In response to the intensity of the fire, the team requested reinforcement from the Fire Service Headquarters. Two additional fire trucks, led by the Director of Operations, Engr. I. A. Adeleke, were subsequently deployed to support the operation.
The combined firefighting teams launched a coordinated operation and successfully extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to other shops and neighbouring properties within the market.
Although eight large shops were affected, the agency’s timely intervention helped prevent further destruction of property.
However, the firefighting operation was hampered by illegal structures and traders’ goods obstructing access roads within the market, making it difficult for fire trucks to reach the affected area.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the fire might have originated from electrical sparks associated with an inverter system installed in one of the shops. The suspected sparks reportedly ignited nearby combustible materials.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperative, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade, was present at the scene during the incident.
The agency also commended the Nigeria Police Force, Gbagi Divisional Headquarters, for providing security and supporting the firefighting operation.
In a statement, the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged residents, traders and market operators to prioritise fire safety and report emergencies promptly.
Akinwande stressed the importance of providing and maintaining functional fire extinguishers in shops, market facilities and homes, noting that the early use of appropriate firefighting equipment could help contain fires before they develop into major emergencies.
He further advised traders and market management to ensure that access roads remain free of illegal structures, goods and other obstructions to enable firefighters to reach emergency locations without delay.
The fire service chief also called on members of the public to provide accurate addresses when reporting emergencies to facilitate prompt responses and minimise potential damage.
The firefighting appliances returned safely to the station at about 11:32 p.m. and were placed on operational standby.
Members of the public can report fire emergencies through the Oyo State Fire Services Agency’s emergency lines: 08067439223, 08054353501 or 615 (toll-free).
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, emphasising that fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.
You can get every of our news as soon as they drop on WhatsApp ...To get all news updates, Join our WhatsApp Group (Click Here)
