A devastating fire outbreak has destroyed at least 24 shops at the popular Mandate Market in Ilorin, leaving traders counting heavy losses running into millions of naira.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, causing panic among traders and residents who struggled to contain the flames before firefighters arrived at the scene.

Traders Lose Millions in Goods

The inferno destroyed several shops stocked with rice, vegetable oil, drinks, drugs, phone accessories, gadgets, and other goods.

Reacting to the incident, the Babalola of Mandate Market, Murtala Tambaruku, said many traders were left devastated by the scale of destruction.

According to him, some affected shop owners reportedly fainted after discovering the extent of their losses.

“Several properties were destroyed running into several millions of naira,” he said.

“One of the rice sellers just got over five million naira supply yesterday and everything is gone.”

He added that the affected traders were unable to salvage any property as the fire completely razed the shops and surrounding structures.

Kwara Fire Service Confirms Incident

The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the outbreak, revealing that it received a distress call at about 4:44 a.m. and immediately deployed firefighters to the market.

According to the agency, the affected section formed part of a larger market containing more than 200 shops.

The fire service disclosed that 24 shops were destroyed before the situation was eventually brought under control.

Spokesperson for the service, Hassan Adekunle, attributed the extent of the damage to delayed emergency reporting.

“Nevertheless, the gallant firefighters of the Kwara State Fire Service displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in combating the inferno and successfully averted further destruction across the market,” he said.

Power Surge Suspected as Cause of Fire

Preliminary findings by the fire service indicated that the outbreak may have been triggered by a power surge.

According to Adekunle, the fire reportedly started in a shop dealing in phone accessories and charging services before spreading rapidly to neighbouring shops filled with food items and other goods.

“The fire was said to have started from a shop dealing in phone accessories and phone charging services before spreading to adjoining shops,” he explained.

Fire Service Urges Improved Safety Measures

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, later visited the market to sympathise with affected traders and assess the level of destruction.

During the visit, he reportedly met with market leaders and assured them of the agency’s continued support.

He also advised traders to strengthen fire prevention measures by installing fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and electrical protection devices in their shops.

The fire service further reminded market operators about its annual fire safety sensitisation campaigns across markets in the state and urged traders to comply with safety guidelines to prevent future incidents.