Parts of an OPay office along the bustling Akala Expressway in Ibadan, Oyo State, were gutted by fire on Tuesday, destroying property worth millions of naira and sparking panic among residents, motorists, and nearby businesses.
The blaze, which erupted in the afternoon, sent thick smoke and flames billowing from sections of the fintech company’s premises, attracting a large crowd of onlookers.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire began suddenly and spread rapidly before emergency responders arrived. Some residents initially mistook the smoke for generator fumes before realising the building was ablaze.
“As soon as people noticed the smoke, there was shouting and everyone started running,” an eyewitness said. “Within minutes, the fire intensified and fear gripped the area.”
Workers in neighboring offices reportedly raised the alarm, prompting firefighters from the Oyo State Fire Services Agency to rush to the scene.
The team later brought the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby shops and offices.
Security personnel were also deployed to cordon off the area and manage traffic, as movement along the expressway was temporarily disrupted during the firefighting operation.
While the cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed, authorities stated that no lives were lost.
Reports indicated that no serious injuries occurred, as staff had evacuated the building before the fire escalated.
Despite this, the inferno inflicted significant damage, destroying office equipment, furniture, documents, and other valuables. Some employees were seen salvaging items from the building once the fire was put out.
Fire Service officials confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident and assess the total extent of the damage.
They also assured that measures would be recommended to prevent future occurrences.
OPay is expected to release an official statement on the incident and outline steps being taken to maintain uninterrupted service for its customers in Ibadan and across Oyo State.
Meanwhile, residents and business operators in the area have urged authorities to enforce stricter fire safety measures and carry out regular inspections of commercial buildings, especially those along major highways.
