A devastating early-morning fire has destroyed several shops at the popular Oranyan Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, leaving traders counting their losses and appealing for urgent assistance. The fire reportedly broke out around midnight on Sunday and spread through parts of the market in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area.
According to the Oyo State Fire Services, the fire reportedly started in the middle of the market following an explosion. However, authorities are yet to determine whether the blast was caused by gas or another source, with investigations ongoing.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services, Moruf Akinwande, said the situation was brought under control at about 1:00 a.m., preventing the flames from spreading to other sections of the market. He added that a proper assessment would be needed to determine the number of shops destroyed and the value of goods lost in the incident.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the recurring cases of market fires in Ibadan and the vulnerability of traders whose livelihoods depend on these commercial centres. Oranyan Market also recorded a major fire in 2024, when several shops in its herbal section were destroyed.
The latest blaze comes just two days after another fire reportedly destroyed nine locked-up shops at the Nigerian Railway Shopping Complex around the Aleshinloye Market area of Ibadan. The succession of incidents is expected to heighten calls for stronger fire-prevention measures, improved emergency access and closer safety monitoring across markets in the city.
As affected traders begin to assess their losses, attention is now turning to the response of the Oyo State Government and other relevant authorities. Beyond immediate relief, traders are likely to need support to rebuild their shops and restore businesses wiped out by the overnight blaze.
The cause of the Oranyan Market fire, the exact number of shops destroyed and the total value of goods lost remain subject to official assessment. For now, the scene at one of Ibadan’s well-known markets serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a fire outbreak can erase years of investment and leave families facing an uncertain economic future.
