Fire Guts Oranyan Market in Ibadan

A midnight fire has destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of naira at the popular Oranyan Market in Ibadan North-East local government area of Oyo State.

The fire reportedly started around midnight yesterday and affected various sections of the market, including jewellery, furniture shops, second-hand clothes and other goods.

The report said the fire spread quickly through the market, destroying many shops and leaving many traders counting their losses. One of the eyewitnesses, identified as Iya Alia, said there were almost 300 affected shops, although the exact number could not be independently confirmed.

The chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services and special adviser to the Governor on Fire Reforms, Morof Akinwande, confirmed the incident but said it was too early to give an exact number of shops destroyed.
Akinwande explained that the fire reportedly started in the middle of the market following an explosion. He said it was yet to be established whether it was caused by gas or another source.

He added that the fire had been brought under control by about 1 a.m., while a proper assessment would be carried out to determine the extent of the damage and the number of shops affected. The incident has left traders facing significant financial losses, with goods worth millions of naira reportedly destroyed.
Some traders have appealed for government and public support to help them recover from the disaster.

The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, expressed sympathy to the affected traders and residents, describing the incident as a major loss that had disrupted the livelihoods of many people. He assured the victims of the state government’s support.

However, the cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations continue. The incident has also renewed concerns about the safety of markets in Ibadan, particularly following previous fire outbreaks in some markets across the city.