Fire Razes 28 Shops at Popular Kwara Market, Traders Count Losses

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

A raging fire has destroyed 28 shops at a popular market in Kwara State, leaving traders in tears as goods worth millions of naira went up in flames.

Incident Occurred Overnight

Akahi News learnt that the incident occurred late on Monday night at the Owode Market in Offa Local Government Area. Witnesses reported that the fire started around midnight, quickly spreading through the wooden stalls before emergency responders could arrive.

By the time firefighters were able to bring the situation under control, 28 shops had already been completely destroyed. Fortunately, no life was lost in the incident.

Cause of Fire Still Unknown

Officials from the Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the blaze. However, preliminary reports suggest it might have been triggered by electrical faults within one of the shops.

Victims Appeal for Government Support

Many traders who lost their shops have called on the state government for assistance, noting that their entire sources of livelihood were wiped out in the fire.

A trader, Mrs. Rukayat Jimoh, told journalists, “We have lost everything. The government should please come to our aid. This is our only source of income.”

Government Promises Action

Kwara State authorities have promised to investigate the fire outbreak and provide support for affected traders where necessary.

The Offa Market, regarded as one of the busiest commercial centres in Kwara State, has witnessed similar incidents in the past, raising fresh concerns over safety measures in public markets.

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