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A devastating fire incident occurred at Owode Market in the Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, resulting in the loss of approximately N360m worth of property. The fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday and was caused by a dropped lit cigarette end, which ignited combustible materials.

Owode Market, known as the largest market in Kwara State, serves as a bustling commercial hub with about 3,820 shops and 1,180 stands. The fire started around 2am and was reported to the Offa branch of the Kwara State Fire Service at 2:30am.

The swift response and decisive actions of the Kwara State Fire Service were commendable in containing the fire. Despite the devastating nature of the incident, only 50 shops were affected, thanks to the efforts of the firefighting team. Property losses were estimated to be over N360m.

Hassan Adekunle, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Kwara State Fire Service, stated that the fire service was able to salvage commodities and properties worth more than N12bn, providing significant relief amidst the crisis.

An investigation into the incident revealed that a dropped cigarette end was the cause of the fire. This highlights the importance of fire safety awareness and preventive measures.

The Kwara State Fire Service, along with federal firefighting counterparts, responded promptly to the distress call at Owode Market. A team of firemen led by ACF Oyeyipo James arrived at the scene and deployed two fire appliances from different stations to combat the inferno.

It took approximately five hours of concerted effort to fully extinguish the flames and ensure the safety of lives and properties within the vicinity. The collaborative efforts of the firefighting teams played a crucial role in bringing the situation under control.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need for vigilance in preventing such accidents. The Kwara State Fire Service continues to work diligently to protect lives and properties in the state.