Ruth Semilore
Another fire outbreak struck Ibadan on Sunday, causing significant damage at the well-known Gbagi Market. The blaze, which erupted around 1:23 p.m., destroyed two shops before firefighters successfully contained it, averting a wider disaster in one of the city’s most crowded commercial centres.
Eyewitnesses and emergency responders at the scene confirmed that the fire initially spread rapidly, but quick intervention from the Oyo State Fire Services helped prevent more extensive losses. The incident marks yet another in a series of fire-related emergencies that have plagued markets in the city.
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Speaking to journalists, the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, confirmed the development.
“Gbagi Market is on fire, but it has now been contained and brought under control,” he said.
He elaborated further, stating:
“We received distress calls from our officers stationed at Gbagi, as well as from the Divisional Police Officer and several market leaders, around 1:23 p.m. Our team arrived on site by 1:30 p.m. Two shops were already engulfed in flames. The fire has been extinguished, and our officers are currently carrying out post-fire cooling operations.”
Responding promptly, the Oyo State Fire Service deployed two fire trucks to the scene, ensuring that the fire was contained before it could spread to adjoining shops, thereby minimizing damage and potential losses.
Speaking at the site of the incident, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, confirmed the cause of the fire and commended the Fire Service team for their rapid intervention.
He noted that their quick response played a crucial role in averting significant damage and safeguarding lives and property.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Mamud Okesade, expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering commitment to emergency management.
He stressed that the Governor’s proactive leadership, has strengthened the state’s ability to respond to emergencies through enhanced fire safety measures, regular inspections, and personnel training.
Hon Adebisi hinted that the State Government through the Ministry of Trade will convene stakeholders’ meeting to thoroughly assess the incident and devise strategies to prevent future occurrences.
