The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has successfully contained two separate fire outbreaks at commercial centres in Ibadan, preventing the incidents from escalating and spreading to adjoining shops and properties.
The incidents, which occurred at Japata Complex, Farajimi Street, Agodi Yidi Gate, and Ogo-Oluwa Shopping Complex, Challenge, Ibadan, were swiftly brought under control by firefighters in separate emergency operations.
In the first incident, officers of the Agency, led by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Adedeji, responded to a distress call at Japata Complex on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Upon arrival, the firefighters discovered that two prefabricated shops being used as a carpentry workshop had been engulfed by fire.
The crew immediately commenced firefighting operations and successfully contained the blaze within a short period, preventing it from spreading to other shops and nearby properties.
Preliminary investigations suggested that the fire might have been caused by unattended burning embers. No casualty was recorded during the operation, while the fire appliance returned to the station at 03:10 hours.
In a related development, the Agency responded to another fire outbreak at Ogo-Oluwa Shopping Complex, Challenge, Ibadan, in the early hours of Monday, November 8, 2026.
The incident was reported at exactly 00:06 hours through a telephone call by one Mr. Ajibola Azeez, prompting the immediate deployment of a firefighting crew led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Adisa.
On arrival, the firefighters discovered that one shop out of the 180 lock-up shops in the complex had been affected by fire, with thick smoke billowing from the premises.
The crew promptly launched a coordinated firefighting operation and successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading beyond the affected shop.
The Agency disclosed that the fire caused no serious damage to the affected shop, while properties worth billions of naira within the shopping complex were saved through the timely intervention of its personnel.
Preliminary findings indicated that the incident was suspected to have resulted from an unattended mobile phone left plugged into an electrical socket.
Fortunately, no casualty was recorded, and the fire appliance returned safely to the station at 01:15 hours.
Commenting on the incidents, the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged residents and business owners to prioritise fire safety and remain vigilant against preventable fire outbreaks.
He emphasised the importance of installing and regularly maintaining functional fire extinguishers in commercial buildings, shops, homes, offices and other public and private establishments.
According to him, having accessible and properly maintained firefighting equipment would enable occupants to tackle incipient fires promptly before they develop into major disasters.
He also advised members of the public to avoid leaving burning embers unattended and to exercise caution when using and charging electrical and electronic devices, particularly in commercial environments.
The Agency reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State through prompt emergency response and public enlightenment on fire prevention.
Members of the public are advised to report fire emergencies through the Agency’s emergency lines: 08067439223, 08054353501 or 615 (Toll-Free).
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