Fire Destroys Hundreds of Shops as Traders Count Heavy Losses in Ibadan Market Blaze

(fire outbreak. Photo by Sahara Reports)

A devastating fire outbreak has destroyed goods at Bode Market in Molete, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, leaving several traders and shop owners in tears as they surveyed their losses.

An online news platform gathered that the fire broke out in the early hours of Friday, when flames suddenly engulfed a section of the market before spreading rapidly due to the intensity of the blaze.

Eyewitnesses said the fire spread uncontrollably from one part of the market to another, razing hundreds of shops and destroying valuables, food items, household goods and other property stored inside the affected buildings.

In videos obtained by the platform, several shop owners who rushed to the scene after hearing about the incident were seen stranded and emotionally devastated as they watched their shops burnt beyond recognition, with some crying helplessly as they attempted to salvage whatever remained from the wreckage, while others managed to retrieve a few charred items amid thick smoke that covered parts of the market.

The affected section of the market was completely razed given the severity of the fire, with significant losses recorded in both property and goods.

Residents and sympathisers gathered around the market as efforts were made to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings and shops.

As of the time of filing, the exact cause of the incident had not been officially confirmed, while many affected traders appealed to the Oyo State Government and relevant authorities for urgent assistance following the destruction.

The incident has plunged many business owners and families into hardship, with several traders lamenting that their entire sources of livelihood had been wiped out.

One affected trader said everything was gone and that they did not know where to start from again.