A fire outbreak has destroyed several shops at the popular Oranya Market in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, with traders dealing in gold, furniture, second-hand clothing and other goods reportedly affected by the inferno.

The blaze was said to have started from the middle of the market following an explosion, triggering fears among traders and residents in the area.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services, Morof Akinwande, confirmed the incident.

Akinwande said firefighters had brought the situation under control by about 1 a.m., although the exact cause of the explosion had not been established.

According to him, it was too early to determine whether the explosion was caused by gas or another source, noting that further investigation would be required.

He also cautioned against putting a definite figure on the number of shops destroyed, saying officials had yet to complete the post-fire assessment.

The fire service chairman said the exact number of shops and the value of goods lost were still being ascertained.

He, however, confirmed that several shops were destroyed in the inferno, leaving traders facing significant losses as authorities begin assessing the extent of the damage.