A fire outbreak has destroyed six shops and goods worth millions of naira at Owode Market in Offa, Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, was reportedly caused by bush burning that spread to nearby shops within the market located in the Isale Oja area of the town.
The Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Kwara State Command, DSF Jimoh Modibbo Ibrahim, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to him, firefighters from the Offa Command responded quickly to the emergency and were able to contain the fire before it caused more damage.
“The Federal Fire Service, Kwara State Command, under the leadership of the State Controller, ACF Mary Bakare, promptly responded to a fire outbreak at Owode Market, Isale Oja, Offa,” Ibrahim said.
He explained that the firefighting team, led by ASF II Adedeji, successfully brought the blaze under control using firefighting equipment deployed to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the crew swiftly controlled the fire and carried out additional operations to ensure there was no re-ignition,” he added.
Ibrahim said preliminary investigations revealed that the fire started from bush burning in the surrounding area before spreading into the market.
Although no casualties were recorded, he disclosed that the fire destroyed six shops and a large storage hall containing food items such as rice, beans, soybeans, yams and potatoes. Some building materials, including wheelbarrows and planks, were also affected.
He estimated the value of the damaged property at about ₦15 million, noting that firefighters were able to save goods and structures worth approximately ₦45 million due to their swift intervention.
“The estimated value of property destroyed is about fifteen million naira, while items and structures worth forty-five million naira were saved as a result of the prompt response of firefighters,” he stated.
The fire service spokesperson also urged residents to observe safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
“We advise members of the public to avoid uncontrolled bush burning and ensure proper maintenance of electrical appliances to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks,” Ibrahim warned.
Owode Market had earlier experienced a similar incident in January when a fire razed parts of the livestock section of the market, destroying several stalls and causing panic among traders and residents.
