Fresh tension has emerged in parts of Ibadan, Oyo State, after a fire outbreak gutted several shops at a market location in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, leaving traders counting losses and raising fresh concerns about recurring fire incidents in commercial areas of the state.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at No. 2, Mobolorunduro, Balaro Street, Oju-Odo Academy area, where a row of 11 shops was affected.
According to the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, the blaze destroyed eight shops before firefighters were able to bring it under control and prevent further spread to nearby structures.
The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, Moroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Ibadan.
He explained that the emergency call was received at about 02:33hrs on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, prompting immediate response from fire officials.
Akinwande stated, “Oyo State Fire Services Agency dosed shops on Fire at No 2, Mobolorunduro, Balaro Street, Oju-Odo Academy, Ibadan. At exactly 02:33 hrs on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 through telephone call and Mr Idris to shop on fire at the above address.”
He added that firefighters, led by PFS11 Ojo, quickly mobilised to the scene and met a developing fire that had already spread across several shops.
According to him, “Upon arrival, it was discovered that eight out of a row of 11 shops were severely affected by the fire. The fire was swiftly contained, preventing further spread to the remaining shops and nearby properties.”
The agency confirmed that no casualty was recorded in the incident. The cause of the fire, however, remains under investigation. Fire officials said the operation was concluded by 04:29hrs, after which personnel returned to base and remained on standby.
Akinwande also urged residents and business owners to prioritise fire safety measures, stressing the importance of installing fire extinguishers in commercial buildings to reduce the impact of early-stage fire outbreaks.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that this latest incident adds to a growing list of fire outbreaks in Ibadan markets in recent months. In September 2025, about 14 shops were destroyed at Ogundipe Market in Ibadan North Local Government Area. In another case in December 2025, eight shops were also razed near the Sango Police Divisional Headquarters in the same local government area.
An eyewitness, Bukola Ogundeji, described the scene as chaotic at the time the fire started. She said, “I am not a shop owner there. I only came for a visit, but the incident started around 12:30 pm. We are yet to ascertain the root cause of the fire incident.”