A fire outbreak destroyed three shops early Friday morning in the Sango area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. behind the Fart Oil filling station. According to reports, the fire started from a freezer that sparked while plugged in. The spark ignited nearby flammable items, quickly spreading flames across the shops.
Eyewitnesses said the fire intensified before emergency teams could reach the scene. City Round investigators said ten shops were in the affected row of prefabricated structures. Out of these, three shops were completely destroyed by the time firefighters arrived. Residents and traders rushed in, trying to save what they could during the chaos.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far, according to local sources. Still, the damage has left many shop owners devastated and without livelihood.
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Fire Sparks Safety Concerns in Commercial Hubs
The incident has renewed concerns about fire risks in crowded business districts like Sango. Electrical appliances, often poorly maintained, are used widely in these market zones.
Many blame the lack of proper fire safety regulations for the frequent outbreaks. Shop owners said emergency responders arrived too late to stop the worst damage. Some traders expressed anger over the government’s failure to enforce safety standards. Others called for better training and inspections for shop owners using electrical equipment.
Fire service officials are yet to release a full report on the cause.
However, they plan a detailed investigation to avoid similar disasters in the future. Authorities said they will look into fire readiness across commercial areas in Ibadan. Meanwhile, affected shop owners are counting their losses and demanding government support.
Traders urged the state to enforce safety measures and improve emergency response times. They also asked for regular audits to check faulty wiring and illegal setups.
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Residents Demand Action and Accountability
As cleanup begins, many residents are demanding immediate safety reforms. They want inspections, education, and stricter rules for high-risk business areas. Some community leaders also plan to petition the government for urgent action.
They believe stronger policies will protect lives and businesses in the future. The fire has become a wake-up call for both authorities and business owners.
With market activities intensifying daily, the risk of future fires remains high. Until then, vigilance and preventive steps may be the only line of defense.
