By Emeka Blast 
Fire Ravages Ibadan Shopping Complex, Damages Property Worth Millions
A devastating fire broke out at a shopping complex in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, late on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, destroying properties worth millions of naira. The blaze, which occurred beside the Akin-Alamu Building on Papa Alakia Isebo Road, razed five out of the ten shops in the complex, leaving business owners reeling from significant losses.
According to Maroof Adebayo Akinwande, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, the fire was reported at exactly 23:22 hrs on Tuesday via a telephone call from Mr. Olarewaju. Firefighters, led by CFS Adesina Olusoji, were promptly deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found several shops engulfed in flames. “We quickly swung into action and restricted the fire from spreading to unaffected nearby shops and properties,” Akinwande said in a statement to journalists in Ibadan. The fire was completely extinguished, and salvage operations were conducted to minimize further damage.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by an electrical surge that ignited nearby combustible materials, setting the shops ablaze. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported, a relief to the community amidst the significant material losses. “The fire affected five shops, but our personnel were able to save properties worth millions of naira,” Akinwande added, emphasizing the fire service’s swift response.
The incident marks another in a series of fire outbreaks in Ibadan this year, with similar events reported at the Araromi Market in April and the RSD Shopping Complex in February, both causing substantial property damage. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as shop owners scrambled to salvage goods, but the intensity of the flames overwhelmed initial efforts. Local resident Tunde Adeyemi told the Ibadan Tribune, “The fire spread so fast; we could only watch as everything burned. It’s heartbreaking for those who lost their livelihoods.”
The Oyo State Fire Service has urged residents to exercise caution with electrical appliances to prevent similar incidents. “We advise the public to handle electrical systems with care and ensure proper maintenance to avoid surges,” Akinwande stated. Community leaders have also called for increased fire safety awareness and better-equipped fire stations to enhance response times.
Governor Seyi Makinde expressed sympathy for the affected traders, promising government support to help them recover. “We are working to provide relief and prevent future occurrences,” he said in a statement on X. Posts on X reflected public sentiment, with @OyoWatch writing, “Heartbreaking loss at Alakia Isebo. Kudos to the fire service for saving what they could.” Another user, @IbadanVoice, called for stricter safety regulations in markets and complexes.
As investigations continue, the affected shop owners are assessing their losses and seeking assistance. The incident underscores the recurring challenge of fire outbreaks in Ibadan’s commercial hubs, prompting renewed calls for improved infrastructure and safety measures.
