Ibadan: Properties worth millions lost as fire razes shops in Bodija
An early morning fire on Friday destroyed no fewer than four shops at Saki Garage, opposite Trans Amusement Park in the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The inferno, which broke out around 2:07 a.m., affected four out of eleven shops in the vicinity.
Although no lives were lost, properties estimated at millions of naira were consumed.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, said firefighters responded promptly and were able to prevent the flames from spreading to adjoining shops and nearby buildings.
He added that the security support provided by officers of the Amotekun Corps from the Bodija Division was instrumental in ensuring order during the operation.
Preliminary investigations by the fire service traced the remote cause of the fire to lit embers left unattended after business hours, which ignited combustible items and sparked the blaze.
Akinwande used the incident to caution residents and business owners against negligence, stressing the importance of fire safety awareness.
He urged the public to store emergency numbers, including 08067439223, 08054353501, and 615, on their phones and to report fire outbreaks with accurate addresses to ensure a quick response.
He further advised households and business operators to install fire extinguishers as part of preventive measures. “I advise the public to be conscious of fire and ensure safety at all times. Having fire extinguishers in buildings is critical to preventing loss of lives and property,” he emphasized.
The Oyo State Fire Service reiterated its commitment to rapid response and urged residents to partner with the agency in safeguarding lives and property across the state.
