From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin.
The Kwara State Fire Service, averted a major disaster recently, when it swiftly responded to a fire outbreak at the Olusola Saraki Market, Ita-Amo, Ilorin.
According to a statement by Hassan Adekunle, Head of Media and Publicity for the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, the distress call was received at about 9:36 p.m.
Firefighters promptly mobilized to the scene, where they discovered several shops engulfed in flames.
Related News
The fire, which affected a market comprising 276 shops, was quickly contained by the fire service team, limiting damage to only seven shops. The affected shops included those selling meat, clothing materials, and provisions, while 269 shops were successfully saved from destruction.
Preliminary investigations attributed the incident to a power surge reportedly caused by fluctuating electricity supply from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), as noted by the market’s security personnel.
Sympathising with the affected traders, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, said, “We deeply empathize with the leadership of the market, the shop owners, and the entire market community. We are hopeful that their losses will be restored in multiple folds. It is also critical for everyone to adopt fire safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
Residents were reminded to report fire emergencies promptly using the Fire Service hotlines: 08030419316, 112, or 08025896740.
