An early morning fire ripped through three shops in the Sango area of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, May 2, 2025, leaving behind smoldering ruins and losses estimated in the millions of naira. The blaze, which began behind a petrol station, was linked to an electrical spark from a plugged-in freezer left unattended overnight.
According to Mr. Yemi Akinyinka, General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, the incident was reported at exactly 4:41 a.m. and firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene. Led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent Adedeji (Mrs), the team arrived to find three of ten prefabricated shops engulfed in flames.
“We swiftly swung into action and restricted the fire from spreading to other shops,” Akinyinka stated in a press release. “The fire was completely extinguished before more damage could occur.” Though no lives were lost, the inferno consumed goods such as freezers and stocked beverages, leaving shop owners devastated.
Investigations revealed that the fire originated from a spark caused by a freezer plugged in overnight, which ignited flammable materials stored nearby. The incident highlights the growing risk of overnight electrical appliance usage in densely built marketplaces without proper fireproofing measures.
Despite the destruction of three shops, officials confirmed that the quick response of the fire service helped prevent the loss of seven other shops and numerous properties in the vicinity. “The fast action of our officers saved properties worth millions,” Akinyinka added.
This marks another fire disaster in Ibadan within months, adding pressure on authorities and business owners to enforce stricter safety regulations in commercial zones. Calls have been renewed for regular inspections, safer electrical installations, and education of traders on fire hazards.
As the affected shop owners count their losses and sift through debris, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of electrical negligence. The Oyo State Fire Service has urged residents and business operators to unplug appliances when not in use and keep combustible materials safely stored.
