A fire outbreak on Tuesday destroyed at least 24 shops at the Mandate Ultra-Modern Market in Ilorin, causing panic among traders and destroying goods worth millions of naira.
The inferno, which affected parts of the market housing more than 200 shops, reportedly consumed stores containing phone accessories, foodstuffs, and other valuables.
According to the spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, firefighters received a distress call around 4:44 a.m. and quickly moved to contain the blaze.
“The magnitude of destruction was largely intensified due to the late call made to the Fire Service, as the fire had already spread significantly before firefighters arrived at the scene,” Hassan said.
He added, “Nevertheless, the gallant firefighters of the Kwara State Fire Service displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in combating the inferno and successfully averted further destruction across the market.”
Preliminary findings showed that the fire was caused by a power surge in a shop dealing in phone accessories and charging services before spreading to nearby stores.
Some traders commended the firefighters for preventing the fire from destroying the entire market complex.
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, visited the market to sympathise with affected traders and assured them of the agency’s support.
“I am deeply saddened by this incident, and I assure you of the Fire Service’s continued support,” he said.
Alabi also advised traders to adopt better fire safety measures, including installing extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and proper electrical protection devices.
“Market operators should invest in both active and passive fire safety measures, including the installation of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and proper electrical protection devices, especially in situations where shop owners may not be present during emergencies,” he stated.
The incident adds to the recent rise in fire outbreaks across Kwara.
