A late-night fire incident on Saturday devastated the popular Oba Lipede Market in Kuto, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria. The blaze, which began around 10:15 pm, destroyed 10 shops and goods valued at millions of naira.
According to Engr Fatai Adefala, Director of Ogun State Fire Service, the fire originated from a gas-powered generator explosion owned by a local businessman. The fire service responded promptly upon notification, managing to bring the situation under control.
The incident affected various businesses, with food items such as rice and beans, as well as household utensils, among the destroyed goods. A couple, Basiru and Tolani Moses, reported losing 500,000 naira in cash and goods worth over 1.5 million naira in their two razed shops.
In response to the incident, several government officials, including the Commissioner for Special Duties, Funmi Efuwape, visited the site on Sunday morning to assess the damage. Efuwape highlighted that the fire’s spread was exacerbated by illegal structures outside the main market building, emphasizing the need for their removal to prevent future incidents and improve emergency access.
The commissioner also announced plans for an integrity test on the main market building and potential renovations. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) director, Wale Sonde, mentioned that officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) would visit on Monday to evaluate damages and determine assistance for the victims.
Mrs Tejumade Bakre, the market leader, reported incidents of looting following the fire, though security agents eventually intervened to disperse the miscreants.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian markets in terms of fire safety and infrastructure. It also highlights the quick response of local emergency services and the government’s commitment to addressing the aftermath and preventing future occurrences. As the community begins to recover from this setback, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper safety measures and urban planning in bustling market areas.
