The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Akinyemi Akinyinka, raised concerns on Saturday regarding the actions of hoodlums who have broken into stores at the renowned Araromi Spare Parts Market in Agodi-Gate, Ibadan.
Earlier reports indicated that a significant fire had ravaged the market, causing destruction to goods and property valued in the millions.
Akinyinka noted that while firefighters were actively working to control the blaze, the hoodlums were creating additional challenges by harassing and disrupting their efforts. He stated, “Hoodlums have invaded shops at Araromi Agodi-Gate, making it difficult for our firefighters to carry out their duties.”
The fire reportedly ignited around 2 a.m. on Saturday and continues to burn, with firefighters engaged in a strenuous battle to extinguish the flames.
In a statement early Saturday morning, Akinyinka confirmed the severity of the situation, saying, “We are facing a severe inferno at Agodi-Gate. We urge water tanker owners to assist us. We are here trying to manage the crisis.”
Investigation into the cause of the fire is still underway.
In a tragic turn of events, a separate fire incident on Friday claimed the lives of a husband, wife, and their grandson in the Ori-Eru area of Idikan, Ibadan. This incident occurred at 3:46 a.m. in a multi-story building.
Earlier this week, another fire wreaked havoc in Ibadan on Sunday morning, destroying three shops but sparing 13 others thanks to the timely response of local fire services.
Additionally, a fire engulfed a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan on Friday night, reportedly trapping several worshippers during a vigil.
This incident took place around 9:30 p.m. at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G on Olohunda Road, in the Lagelu Local Government Area, as reported by our correspondence on Saturday morning.
