A fire outbreak has destroyed six shops and goods worth millions of naira at the popular Owode Market in Offa, Kwara State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in the Isale Oja area of the town when a bush fire reportedly spread into parts of the market, causing panic among traders and residents in the area.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson for the Federal Fire Service, Kwara State Command, DSF Jimoh Modibbo Ibrahim.
According to the statement, firefighters from the Offa Command of the Federal Fire Service swiftly responded to the emergency after receiving a distress call about the outbreak.
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The fire crew, led by ASF II Adedeji, arrived at the scene and immediately began operations to contain the blaze.
Using a medium jet of water from a fire truck, the firefighters were able to bring the fire under control before it spread further across the busy market.
Officials said comprehensive follow-up operations were also carried out at the scene to ensure that the fire was completely extinguished and to prevent any possible re-ignition.
Preliminary investigations by the fire service indicated that the incident was caused by bush burning near the market, which later spread to adjoining shops.
Although no lives were lost in the incident, the fire destroyed six shops and a large hall stocked with several food items.
Items lost in the fire included bags of rice, beans, soybeans, yams, potatoes, as well as wheelbarrows and planks used for building purposes.
The Federal Fire Service estimated that property worth about ₦15 million was destroyed in the blaze.
However, the quick intervention of firefighters helped prevent a more devastating disaster, as goods and structures worth approximately ₦45 million were successfully saved.
The fire service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to observe proper fire safety precautions.
Residents were specifically warned against engaging in uncontrolled bush burning and advised to ensure proper handling of electrical appliances and other potential fire hazards.
Meanwhile, the market had experienced a similar incident earlier in the year when an early morning fire razed parts of the livestock section of the Owode Market, destroying several stalls and causing panic among traders before it was eventually contained.
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