Residents of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, were thrown into panic on Friday morning after a fire outbreak destroyed part of an ancient residential building and several shops in the Oke Elerin area, leaving properties worth millions of naira in ruins.
According to the Oyo State Fire Service, no lives were lost in the incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day. Quick intervention by fire officers prevented the flames from spreading to nearby buildings.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, said the operation was led by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Dairo Rasheedat, who coordinated the emergency response.
“Upon arrival, we met six rooms and three shops in an ancient residential building fully alight. Our officers swiftly swung into action and curtailed the fire from spreading to other properties,” Akinwande said.
He added that while no casualties were recorded, investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, noting that properties worth millions of naira were saved by the prompt response of firefighters.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Thursday, a fuel tanker collided with a trailer along the Ibadan–Oyo Expressway, triggering a fuel spill but no fire outbreak.
The tanker, identified as T30874 LA and carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), reportedly lost control and rammed into a Man Diesel cargo trailer with registration number TRR 611SA.
Fire officials arrived swiftly to prevent an explosion, using foam compounds to contain the spillage.
“The surface was covered with foam to suppress the spillage and prevent ignition,” Akinwande confirmed. “No casualty was recorded, and properties worth millions were saved.”
Both incidents highlight the increasing safety risks along Oyo’s highways and in residential areas, with authorities urging residents and drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to fire safety precautions.
