From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
A devastating fire engulfed the renowned Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, late Tuesday night, destroying goods worth millions of naira. The inferno, which started around 9 p.m., ravaged the Plastic Merchants section of the market, reducing hundreds of shops to ashes and severely impacting traders.
Firefighters from both government and private organisations worked tirelessly through the night to contain the flames. However, embers continued to smoulder in the affected areas even after the main blaze was subdued.
Kehinde Akande, Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government Area, visited the site for an on-the-spot assessment. While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, he assured traders that the state government would conduct a thorough investigation and take necessary action.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed his sympathy to the affected traders. Represented by his Deputy, Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, the Governor reassured victims of the government’s commitment to providing immediate support once a full damage report is compiled.
Governor Makinde directed the Ibadan South-West Local Government and the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to enhance security at the market and prepare a detailed report on the cause of the fire. He also urged market leaders to document the number of shops affected.
Speaking at the scene, the Deputy Governor stated, ‘On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, I am here to express our heartfelt sympathies. We thank God that no lives were lost. This market is a significant commercial hub, and this incident is deeply saddening. The government will take swift action to provide necessary relief.’
He further acknowledged that the plastic business contributed to the rapid spread of the fire but expressed gratitude that there were no casualties. He assured traders that the government, through the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (Oyo SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), would work alongside well-meaning individuals to provide support to those affected.
‘This market plays a crucial role in commercial activities within Oyo State and beyond, attracting traders from Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, and Niger Republic,’ he added. ‘The government will take appropriate measures to assist those impacted by this unfortunate incident.’