Panic swept through the Orita Challenge axis of Ibadan on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, as a fire ripped through five shops beside the Olowo-Ifon Shopping Complex in the early hours of the morning. The incident, which broke out at exactly 2:24 am, left traders devastated as goods and equipment worth millions of naira were reduced to ashes within minutes.
Firefighters from the Oyo State Fire Service arrived swiftly at the scene after receiving an emergency call and were able to stop the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. Despite their efforts, five out of the eleven affected shops were completely destroyed, with thick smoke and charred remnants marking what was once a thriving business hub.
Officials from the fire service linked the cause of the inferno to a suspected electrical surge, which ignited flammable materials stored in the affected shops. According to the fire service chairman, Maroof Akinwande, an initial investigation suggests that faulty wiring may have triggered the spark that led to the blaze.
Chief Fire Superintendent Adesina Olusoji, who led the emergency response, confirmed that his team managed to save several adjacent structures from the spreading flames. He emphasized the need for better safety compliance, urging business owners to install voltage regulators and fire extinguishers to reduce the risk of such disasters.
The destruction has left shop owners and traders reeling, with many losing not only merchandise but essential documents and machinery. Local traders’ associations have begun compiling damage assessments as plans are made to seek support from the state government and emergency relief agencies.
This incident comes just a day after another fire gutted a major foam warehouse in nearby Oyo town, raising concerns about the frequency of fire outbreaks across the state. Authorities are now ramping up fire safety awareness campaigns and have scheduled inspections of market electrical setups in the coming weeks.
Residents are advised to avoid overloading power sources, unplug appliances at night, and report visible electrical faults immediately. The fire service also encouraged shop owners to adhere strictly to recommended storage guidelines for combustible materials, particularly during the dry and hot season.
