Fire engulfs 12 shops in Ibadan’s Araromi market, causing millions in damages. Learn about the incident and the fire service’s response
A devastating fire swept through the Araromi market in Agodi-Gate, Ibadan, on Thursday night, destroying at least 12 shops and causing millions of naira in damages.
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The inferno, which began around 10:55 pm at Block A, No 64, Mayegun Cement Store Market, raged for over three hours before firefighters managed to extinguish it.
Witnesses reported that the fire started due to an electricity surge near combustible materials, quickly spreading through the market and consuming numerous shops. The incident has left traders reeling from substantial losses.
Confirming the incident, Yemi Akinyinka, the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, stated that the agency received a distress call at 11:02 pm.
“The agency’s control room received the distressed call at exactly 23:02 hrs on Thursday, April 10, 2025, through telephoning and Mr Young to report a shop fire at the above address,” Akinyinka said.
Firefighters, led by Cfs Jimoh, were immediately dispatched to the scene. “On arrival, we met some lockup shops well alight, and we swiftly swung into action and restricted the fire from spreading to other nearby shops,” Akinyinka explained.
Despite the intensity of the blaze, the fire service was able to prevent the fire from spreading further, saving property worth billions of naira.
“The fire affected 12 out of multiple numbers of shops and we were able to save property worth billions of naira in the market. The appliance returned to the station by 03:18hrs and on standby,” he added.
The incident has left many traders in distress, as they grapple with the loss of their livelihoods. The Oyo State Fire Service’s swift response, however, prevented a more extensive catastrophe. This incident is a major blow to the community.
