A midnight fire devastated three shops in the Dugbe area of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Sunday, causing the loss of property worth millions of naira. Quick action by the Oyo State Fire Services prevented the flames from spreading, saving 13 nearby shops.
The fire, which began around midnight behind a branch of First City Monument Bank, was reportedly caused by refuse burning left unattended by occupants of the premises.
The General Manager of the state fire services, Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident. “We received a call at 12:25 a.m., and our team was dispatched immediately. Thanks to the absence of traffic, they arrived swiftly and contained the fire,” he said.
Akinyinka revealed that while three shops were completely destroyed, timely intervention prevented further damage. He also urged residents to avoid indiscriminate burning of refuse and bush, especially during the harmattan season, as such practices can easily lead to uncontrolled fires.
No casualties were reported, but the incident follows a series of recent fires in Ibadan, including the destruction of 17 shops in Moniya market earlier this month.
