The Kwara State fire service have saved goods valued at N25 billion after a fire outbreak gutted the main market at Oja-Tuntun in Ilorin, the state capital.
Although the cause of the fire remains unknown at the time of this report, there are indications that the fire incident occurred at approximately 21:18 hours, on Wednesday.
According to the spokesman of the fire service, Hassan Adekunle, “Upon arrival, the fire crew found numerous shops ablaze and worked swiftly to control and extinguish the fire.
“Two fire appliances from different stations, namely Brigade Headquarters and Folawiyo Road Fire Station, collaborated to tackle the situation effectively.”
He said the Oja-Tuntun market, which houses 1072 shops, 984 stands, and 27 warehouses, experienced minimal damage, with only 15 shops affected by the inferno.
“The fire service’s prompt and efficient response helped save commodities and property valued at over N25b. The cause of the fire couldn’t be affirmed yet while an investigation is ongoing.
Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq who was present at the scene, expressed sympathy for those affected and lauded the commendable efforts of the state fire service in successfully managing the situation.
The Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, urged the citizens to always cultivate the habit of switching off their electrical appliances even before bedtime, as this would help them to prevent the chances of fire outbreaks in their various homes, market places, offices and also help to drastically reduce it.
