No fewer than 9 fireplace outbreaks have been recorded in markets and business centres throughout Oyo State between February and October 2026, destroying outlets and items and leaving a number of merchants with monetary losses.
Among the affected places are Ogunpa Market, the place about 10 outlets have been reportedly affected in February; Bode Market, the place a number of outlets, significantly within the natural part, have been destroyed in July; and the Nigerian Railway Shopping Complex alongside the Aleshinloye Market axis, the place 9 outlets have been reportedly razed in August.
Other incidents have been recorded on the Alhaji Moba Complex within the Gbagi Abattoir space, the Bola-Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Bodija Foodstuffs Market, Dugbe and different business places within the state.
The newest outbreak occurred on October 29 on the Bola-Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan, the place eight outlets have been affected, with items and property price hundreds of thousands of naira reportedly destroyed.
Speaking on the incidents, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.Ok. Abass, who famous that they’ve renewed issues over fireplace security in markets, urged merchants to insure their companies and equip their outlets with purposeful fireplace extinguishers.
Abass gave the recommendation whereas talking with journalists, noting that the supply of fireside extinguishers in outlets would allow merchants to reply shortly to outbreaks earlier than the arrival of firefighters.
He mentioned such measures might assist comprise fires at their early levels, minimise harm and stop flames from spreading to adjoining outlets.
Against this background, Abass inspired merchants to take out insurance coverage insurance policies to guard their companies, noting that compensation from insurance coverage firms, alongside potential authorities help, might present some aid to these affected by disasters.
The market chief additionally appealed to merchants to watch preventive security measures because the state approaches the dry season, when the chance of fireside incidents might improve.
He urged them to make sure that all electrical home equipment are switched off and disconnected on the shut of enterprise every day to cut back the chance {of electrical} faults and different fireplace hazards.
With repeated outbreaks affecting business centres throughout Oyo State, merchants are being urged to take better duty for shielding their outlets, items and livelihoods by means of insurance coverage protection, entry to fireplace extinguishers and strict compliance with primary fireplace security measures.
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