Millions lost as fire engulfs shops in Oyo

Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed after a fire outbreak razed a block of eight shops in the Oju-Odo Academy area of Ibadan, Oyo State, in the early hours of Wednesday.

The incident occurred at No. 2, Mobolorunduro, Balaro Street, in Ona-Ara Local Government Area.

Confirming the development, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Moroof Akinwande, said the agency received a distress call at about 2:33 a.m. reporting that shops at the location were on fire.

According to him, firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene and worked to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings and properties.

Although no casualty was reported, goods and valuables worth millions of naira were destroyed in the inferno.

The fire service said investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the outbreak.

“The fire personnel led by PFS11 Ojo promptly mobilised to the scene. 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 cause of the fire is under investigation. No casualty was recorded. Appliance returned to the station safely by 04:29hrs and on operational standby.”

Akinwande urged the public to be conscious of fire safety at all times, stressing the importance of installing fire extinguishers in every commercial building in order to prevent fire incidents at the incipient stage.

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