From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A fire outbreak, has destroyed 12 shops at a shopping complex in the Mandate Market area of Ilorin, Kwara State, with a suspected power surge blamed for the early Saturday morning inferno.
The fire broke out at about 1:14am at a shopping complex opposite Alkad Filling Station, where about 40 shops were housed.
The Kwara State Fire Service, which responded to the emergency, said the intensity of the blaze posed a serious threat to adjoining shops and properties before firefighters moved to contain it.
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According to a statement by the service’s spokesperson and Head of Media Unit, PFO Hassan Adekunle, two fire appliances were immediately deployed to the scene after the distress call was received.
The firefighting operation was later reinforced by personnel of the Federal Fire Service, who joined their Kwara counterparts in a coordinated effort to bring the inferno under control.
“Despite the prompt intervention of the firefighters, 12 shops were affected, largely due to the late notification of the incident,” the statement said.
The service, however, said the combined efforts of the two agencies prevented the fire from spreading to the remaining sections of the shopping complex and nearby properties.
Preliminary findings at the scene suggested that the fire might have been triggered by a power surge.
Some residents who slept close to the affected area reportedly heard a loud combustion sound shortly after electricity supply was restored.
The Fire Service stressed that the exact cause of the incident had not been established, saying further investigation would be required to determine what triggered the fire.
The Chief Fire Officer, CFS Alabi Muhammed, commended the firefighters for their prompt response, courage and professionalism in tackling the inferno, while also appreciating the Federal Fire Service for its timely intervention.
He urged residents, particularly business owners, to ensure that electrical installations were handled by qualified professionals and that electrical appliances and power sources were regularly monitored.
Alabi also stressed the need for members of the public to report fire outbreaks immediately, noting that early notification could give firefighters a better chance of containing emergencies before they escalate.
The Kwara State Fire Service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to make fire prevention and safety a collective responsibility.
