Explosion Causes Fire, Destroys Shops at Oyo Market

An explosion caused a significant fire at Oranyan Market in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area, Oyo State, early Monday morning, reportedly starting around midnight. Eyewitnesses, including Iya Alia, estimated that nearly 300 shops were affected, with traders dealing in gold, furniture, and second-hand clothes among those impacted.

Morof Akinwande, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services, confirmed the incident and noted that the fire began in the middle of the market. He stated that it was too early to ascertain the exact number of shops destroyed, as a post-fire outbreak investigation was necessary.

The fire was brought under control by 1 a.m., preventing further spread. This incident has raised concerns over the frequency of fire outbreaks in Oyo State markets, jeopardizing traders' livelihoods.

A similar fire occurred at the herbal section of the same market in 2024, destroying over 200 shops.