Hundreds of shops have been destroyed after a midnight fire outbreak gutted parts of the popular Oranyan Market in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The fire, which started in the early hours of Monday, August 24, affected several sections of the market, with traders dealing in gold, furniture, second-hand clothing and other goods among those impacted.
Eyewitnesses said the inferno began around midnight, although the exact cause and time of the outbreak remain unclear. Unconfirmed reports suggested that more than 200 shops may have been affected.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services and Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms, Morof Akinwande, confirmed the incident but said the number of destroyed shops could not yet be determined.
Akinwande disclosed that the fire reportedly started after an explosion at the centre of the market, adding that investigations would determine whether it was caused by a gas explosion or another source.
He said the situation was brought under control around 1am, preventing further spread of the fire.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over recurring market fire outbreaks in Oyo State, with traders facing major losses to their businesses and investments.
A similar fire incident occurred at the herbal section of Oranyan Market in 2024, where more than 200 shops were reportedly destroyed.
The Oyo State Fire Agency has commenced an investigation into the cause of the latest inferno.