NEMA blames water scarcity as fire destroys 500 shops in Oyo

The National Emergency Management Agency has blamed the destruction of more than 500 shops and stalls in the Aleshinloye market in the Ibadan area of Oyo State on water scarcity and non-functional fire-fighting equipment.

PUNCH Metro reports that the fire occurred at about 0:15 pm, on Tuesday, and left traders at the market devastated as they continued counting losses as of Wednesday.

The traders had in different interviews with our correspondent noted that they lost goods worth millions of naira to the incident.

Giving an update in a statement on X on Thursday, NEMA noted that the fire, which erupted from the plastic section of the market, spread to the other section.

NEMA noted that the impact of the fire left no fewer than 500 shops and stalls destroyed because there was no adequate water by the fire service to curtail the fire.

The statement added that the absence of functional firefighting equipment also compounded the challenges of the firefighters in curtailing the fire.

The statement read, “On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at approximately 11:00 PM, a massive fire broke out at the Aleshinloye Market, Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying over 500 shops and stalls.

“The National Emergency Management Agency and other emergency units, including the Oyo State Fire Service and private fire teams, responded swiftly, but the lack of functional firefighting equipment and inadequate water supply challenged efforts to contain the fire.

“The fire, which began in the plastic merchants section, spread rapidly due to the highly flammable materials in the market. Although no deaths were recorded, several traders sustained minor injuries, and goods worth hundreds of millions of naira were lost, heavily affecting the traders and the local economy.”

NEMA noted that it had urged the state government to implement fire safety measures and support for the affected traders.

“The Oyo State Government, led by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, has pledged to provide immediate relief and investigate the cause of the fire. Plans are underway to strengthen fire safety infrastructure in markets across the state.

“NEMA has recommended equipping market fire stations with adequate resources, conducting regular fire safety drills, establishing emergency response units, and supporting affected traders through relief packages and insurance schemes.

“The incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures to prevent future occurrences and safeguard traders’ livelihoods,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Sharafadeen Alli, on Thursday, expressed deep sympathy over the fire incident.

He also called on the Oyo State Government and other relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the fire and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

Alli, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, described the inferno as a tragic loss that has caused immense hardship to traders and business owners in the market.

“This unfortunate incident is a major setback for our hardworking traders and business community. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have suffered losses.

“I feel the pain and distress this has caused, and I urged the affected individuals to remain strong in these trying times.

“I therefore call on the state government and other relevant authorities to swiftly investigate the cause of the fire and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.”

The lawmaker also appealed for urgent support and relief for the victims to help them recover from the losses and ameliorate their sufferings.

He reassured the affected traders of his unwavering commitment to working with other stakeholders to provide necessary assistance.

The lawmaker said that collective efforts were needed to rebuild and ensure better safety measures in markets across the state.

PUNCH Metro correspondent reported in September 2024 that lack of fire safety awareness and regulatory failures were the major causes of fire in markets.

Our correspondent who visited some markets in Lagos chronicled how the lack of fire safety measures, traders’ awareness of firefighting and absence of firefighting equipment had continued to contribute to fire incidents across markets, leaving traders with devastating losses.