Arampaging inferno on Wednesday night gutted the popular Oja Tuntun Market in Ilorin, Kwara state capital.
The fire started around 10:30 pm and razed down not less than 15 shops in the process.
Oja Tuntun Market has about 1,072 shops, 984 stands and 27 warehouses, it was gathered.
The spokesperson of the Kwara State Fire Service Hassan Adekunle confirmed the unfortunate incident, adding that the damage was minimal.
He could, however not ascertain the cause/s of the fire as at the time of filing this report.
Adekunle said:: “The fire service’s prompt and efficient response helped save commodities and property valued at over N25 billion.
“The cause of the fire couldn’t be affirmed yet while an investigation is ongoing.
“The service urges the residents of the state to always cultivate the habit of switching off their electrical appliances even before bedtime, as this would help prevent the chances of fire outbreaks in their various homes, marketplaces, offices and also help them to drastically reduce it.”
Governor AbdulRaman Abdulrazaq visited the scene of the fire outbreak yesterday night.
The Governor sympathised.with the victims and applauded the commendable efforts of firemen in successfully managing the situation, it was gathered.
Also former Senate President Bukola Saraki commiserated with the victims of the inferno.
He expressed worry over the incessant occurrence of fire outbreaks in the city and called for urgent steps to address it.
Media aide to Senator Saraki, Abdulganyu Abdulqadir in a statement, commended men of the fire service for their timely interventions.
Hr said all measures must be put in place to put an end to these avoidable incidents that are wreaking havoc on the people’s source of livelihood.
“My thought with the marketers and Ojatuntun community over the unfortunate fire outbreak at the market late Wednesday night.
“This is a huge concern and I call on everyone to join hands to find lasting solutions to forestall such sad occurrences in the future,” he said.
