By: Tijani Salako.
A devastating inferno broke out on Tuesday night in Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying shops and properties worth millions of naira. The state correspondent for the Standard Times in Oyo state learnt.
The incident occurred beside the Akin-Alamu building, Papa area, in Alakia Isebo Road. Ibadan was confirmed to press on a statement that was released on Wednesday in the state capital by the chairman of the state Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande.
Mr. Akinwande said the agency received a distress call out at about 23: 22pm, as firefighters, led by CFS Adesina Olusoji, promptly responded to the scene and managed to restrict the fire from spreading to nearby shops and properties added that no life was lost during the inferno, but properties worth millions of naira were turned to ashes by the inferno.
Akinwande further explained that the fire incident was traced to an electrical surge that ignited nearby inflammable materials and set the shops ablaze. “On Tuesday, at exactly 23:22hrs, the incident was reported through a telephone call.
“The firemen, led by CFS Adesina Olusoji, promptly deployed to the scene of the incident, and on arrival, we met shops engulfed by fire. We quickly swung into action and restricted the fire from spreading to unaffected nearby shops and property. The fire was completely extinguished and necessary salvage was done.
“The fire affected five out of 10 shops, and the agency’s personnel were able to save other properties that were not yet affected. The fire incident was traced to an electrical surge that ignited nearby inflammable materials and set the shops ablaze,” he explained.
According to previous reports by the Standard Times, cities like Lagos and Ibadan are particularly vulnerable to fire outbreaks, often suffering significant damage. This may be attributed to factors such as high population density, changing weather conditions, or negligence on the part of individuals.
The impact of such incidents is multifaceted, affecting not only the structural integrity of buildings but also the physical and mental well-being of those directly affected. Furthermore, fire outbreaks can have far-reaching economic and social consequences, posing significant challenges for those involved.
