Oyo Records 9 Fire Outbreaks In 8 Months

No fewer than nine fire outbreaks have been recorded in markets and commercial centres across Oyo State between February and October 2026, destroying shops and goods and leaving several traders with financial losses.

Among the affected locations are Ogunpa Market, where about 10 shops were reportedly affected in February; Bode Market, where several shops, particularly in the herbal section, were destroyed in July; and the Nigerian Railway Shopping Complex along the Aleshinloye Market axis, where nine shops were reportedly razed in August.

Other incidents were recorded at the Alhaji Moba Complex in the Gbagi Abattoir area, the Bola-Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Bodija Foodstuffs Market, Dugbe and other commercial locations in the state.

The latest outbreak occurred on October 29 at the Bola-Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan, where eight shops were affected, with goods and property worth millions of naira reportedly destroyed.

Speaking on the incidents, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, who noted that they have renewed concerns over fire safety in markets, urged traders to insure their businesses and equip their shops with functional fire extinguishers.

Abass gave the advice while speaking with journalists, noting that the availability of fire extinguishers in shops would enable traders to respond quickly to outbreaks before the arrival of firefighters.

He said such measures could help contain fires at their early stages, minimise damage and prevent flames from spreading to adjoining shops.

Against this background, Abass encouraged traders to take out insurance policies to protect their businesses, noting that compensation from insurance companies, alongside possible government assistance, could provide some relief to those affected by disasters.

The market leader also appealed to traders to observe preventive safety measures as the state approaches the dry season, when the risk of fire incidents could increase.

He urged them to ensure that all electrical appliances are switched off and disconnected at the close of business each day to reduce the risk of electrical faults and other fire hazards.

With repeated outbreaks affecting commercial centres across Oyo State, traders are being urged to take greater responsibility for protecting their shops, goods and livelihoods through insurance coverage, access to fire extinguishers and strict compliance with basic fire safety measures.