A devastating fire has razed at least 20 shops in the bustling Dugbe commercial district of Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying goods and equipment worth millions of naira.
The incident occurred near the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) building in the area, sending traders and residents into panic as flames engulfed several business premises.
Eyewitnesses said the fire allegedly started after a vehicle driven by suspected intoxicated youths crashed into one of the shops. The impact reportedly triggered a fire that rapidly spread to adjoining stores before emergency responders arrived at the scene.
Among the items destroyed were stationery materials, computer sets, photocopying machines, and other valuable office equipment.
A resident, Jamiu Akorede, who witnessed the incident, described the scene as chaotic, noting that traders made frantic efforts to salvage their goods as the fire intensified.
Affected shop owners, Ifeanyi Anthony and Titilope Mayunbe, lamented the extent of the destruction, saying years of investment and livelihoods were lost in the inferno.
Despite the magnitude of the incident, no casualties were recorded.
Personnel of the Oyo State Fire Service were deployed to the scene and worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the fire had yet to be officially confirmed, while authorities were assessing the extent of the damage.
The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety and emergency response measures in major commercial centres across the state
Fire Guts 20 Shops, Destroys Goods Worth Millions in Ibadan
