A devastating fire outbreak has gutted a large section of Bode Market in Molete, Ibadan, Oyo State, leaving traders in anguish after losing goods and sources of livelihood.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday when flames suddenly broke out in parts of the market.
The fire quickly escalated, spreading from one shop to another due to its intensity and the closely packed structure of the market.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the inferno raged uncontrollably, destroying hundreds of shops and consuming goods worth millions of naira. Items lost in the fire include foodstuffs, household materials, and other valuable merchandise stored within the affected stalls.
Videos from the scene showed distraught shop owners rushing to the market, only to find their businesses reduced to ashes.
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Many were seen in tears, attempting to salvage whatever remained from the wreckage, while thick smoke filled the air.
Some traders managed to recover partially burnt items, but the majority were left with nothing, as entire sections of the market were completely razed by the fire.
Residents and sympathisers gathered at the scene as emergency efforts were made to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.
As of the time of this report, the cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed. Affected traders have appealed to the Oyo State Government and relevant authorities for urgent assistance to help them recover from the massive losses.
The incident has plunged many families into uncertainty, with several victims lamenting that their only means of livelihood has been destroyed.
“Everything is gone. We don’t even know where to begin again,” one trader said.
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