Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed on Monday after a fire broke out at Ayetoto Market along Egbeda Atuba Road in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The Oyo State Fire Service confirmed the incident, noting that fortunately, no casualties were reported.

According to Chairman Maroof Akinwande, the fire started due to an electric spark from an inverter installed in one of the shops. The spark ignited nearby combustible materials, quickly spreading to adjacent stores.

“Upon arrival, five shops were engulfed by fire. No casualty was recorded. Out of nine shops, five were affected. The fire was caused by electric sparks from an inverter installed in one of the shops, which ignited nearby combustibles and set the shops ablaze,” Akinwande stated.

Firefighters managed to control the blaze and returned to the station by 18:03hrs, remaining on standby to prevent further incidents.

The incident has left traders counting losses and serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in busy market areas.