A swift response by firefighters on Sunday prevented what could have been a major commercial disaster after a fire engulfed seven shops along BCGA, Gbekuba Road in Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The incident, which began around 3:06 a.m., was reportedly triggered by electrical sparks that ignited nearby combustible materials, causing the flames to spread rapidly through a section of a row of shops.
According to the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, a distress call was received via telephone, prompting an immediate emergency deployment to the scene.
On arrival, firefighters led by Chief Fire Superintendent Adesina discovered that seven out of about 30 shops had already been consumed by fire and thick smoke was billowing from the affected section.
The emergency team quickly launched a coordinated firefighting operation, successfully containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to adjoining shops and nearby structures.
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Authorities confirmed that no casualties were recorded in the incident. The fire was fully extinguished, and the team returned to base at about 4:20 a.m. after completing mop-up operations.
Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Mr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, advised residents and business owners to prioritize safety measures, including engaging qualified electricians for installations and ensuring all electrical appliances are switched off and unplugged after use.
He also emphasized the importance of installing functional firefighting equipment in homes, shops, and commercial buildings to enable quick response in the event of fire outbreaks.
The agency reiterated its commitment to rapid emergency response and urged the public to remain vigilant in preventing avoidable fire disasters.
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