Eight shops were destroyed in a fire outbreak that affected a row of 11 shops at No. 2 Mobolorunduro, Balaro Street, Oju-Odo Academy area of Ona-Ara Local Government Area, Oyo State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, was confirmed by the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, which said its operatives were able to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings.
According to a statement by the Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, Moroof Akinwande, the emergency call was received at about 2:33 a.m., prompting a swift response from firefighters.
“The fire personnel, led by PFS11 Ojo, quickly mobilised to the scene after receiving a distress call,” Akinwande said. “On arrival, it was discovered that eight shops out of 11 were already engulfed in flames. The team successfully contained the fire and stopped it from spreading further to adjoining properties.”
He added that no lives were lost in the incident and that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
“The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but we are conducting a thorough investigation,” he said. “No casualty was recorded, and our equipment returned to base safely by 4:29 a.m.”
The fire service boss also urged traders and property owners to prioritise fire safety measures, including the installation of fire extinguishers in commercial buildings to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
An eyewitness, identified as Bukola Ogundeji, said the fire started suddenly in the early hours of the day.
“I was nearby but not a shop owner,” she said.
“The fire began around 12:30 a.m., and before people could respond properly, several shops had already been affected. We are still trying to understand what caused it.”
The incident adds to a series of fire outbreaks recorded in parts of Ibadan in recent months, including previous market fires that destroyed multiple shops and goods.
