A major fire outbreak in the early hours of Tuesday destroyed 24 shops at the Mandate Market in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State. The incident, which occurred at approximately 04:44, engulfed a section of the bustling market that houses over 200 shops. According to Hassan Adekunle, spokesman for the Kwara State Fire Service, the fire started in a shop selling phone accessories and offering phone-charging services. From there, it quickly spread to adjacent shops storing foodstuffs and other goods, causing extensive damage.
The fire service responded to the emergency after receiving a delayed call, which limited their ability to contain the blaze in its early stages. Despite this, firefighters demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism, successfully preventing the fire from spreading to the rest of the market. Their swift and coordinated efforts averted what could have been a far more devastating disaster for traders and the local economy.
Preliminary investigations point to a power surge as the likely cause of the fire. The shop where the fire originated was reportedly using electrical equipment for charging phones, which may have contributed to the surge. Traders and market stakeholders at the scene expressed gratitude to the firefighters for their prompt response and for minimizing further destruction. Many noted that without their intervention, the entire market could have been lost.
At around 10:00 AM, Alabi Muhammed, Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, visited the affected area to sympathize with the affected traders. He met with both male and female leaders of the market associations, expressing deep concern over the incident. He reassured them of the fire service’s ongoing support and urged them to remain vigilant.
Muhammed emphasized the importance of fire safety measures in markets, calling on traders to invest in active and passive safety systems. These include fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and proper electrical protection devices. He stressed that such measures are especially critical in cases where shop owners are not present during emergencies. He also reminded market leaders of the annual fire safety sensitisation programmes conducted by the fire service, urging traders to actively participate and implement the safety guidelines provided.
The incident has reignited discussions on fire safety in commercial markets across Nigeria. As recovery efforts continue, authorities are expected to review safety protocols and enforce stricter compliance in high-risk areas. This fire serves as a stark reminder of the need for preparedness and proactive safety measures to protect lives and livelihoods.
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