Ilorin, Kwara State – A late-night fire has destroyed three containerised shops at Eyenkorin Roundabout in the Apata area of Asa Local Government Area, leaving business owners counting heavy losses.
The blaze erupted at about 11:57 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting an emergency response from the Kwara State Fire Service after a distress call was received.
According to the agency’s Public Relations Officer, PFO Hassan Adekunle, six containerised shops were involved in the incident, though firefighters managed to limit the damage to three.
“The incident involved six containerised shops, out of which three were affected by the fire,” he said in a statement issued on Thursday.
Power Surge Triggered Inferno
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by a power surge shortly after electricity supply was restored to the area.
“The cause of the fire was traced to a power surge which occurred immediately after electricity supply was restored, leading to the ignition of nearby combustible materials,” the statement added.
Firefighters reportedly battled the flames through the night and brought the situation under control by about 12:20 a.m., preventing the inferno from spreading to nearby shops and properties.
“Our personnel swiftly mobilised to the scene and worked tirelessly to combat the inferno,” the fire service stated.
Fire Service Issues Safety Advisory
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, urged residents and shop owners to prioritise electrical safety to prevent similar incidents.
He advised business operators to ensure proper electrical wiring, use quality materials, switch off appliances when not in use, and install portable fire extinguishers for early response to minor outbreaks.
The latest fire adds to a growing list of similar incidents in Kwara State. On February 27, a 52-year-old man lost his life in a late-night fire that razed a short-let apartment along Coca-Cola Road in Ilorin.
Emergency responders have repeatedly warned that many recent fires in the state have been linked to electrical faults and power surges.
