By Habeeb Ibrahim
The Yorubas natively believe that thunder doesn’t strike twice in the same place, but this appears to be the opposite in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as tragedy struck again barely three days after a stampede claimed 35 lives, most of them children.
The ruinous event unfolded at the Araromi auto spare parts market in Agodi, Ibadan, on Saturday, as a midnight fire destroyed goods worth millions of naira. The incident, which also saw hoodlums looting shops, has left traders counting their losses and calling for urgent government intervention, as reported by Tribune Online.
Eyewitnesses reported that thick smoke alerted residents in neighboring areas, including Odejayi, Onipasan, Okeadu, and Okuyoro. Efforts by locals to extinguish the fire proved futile, as the flames rapidly consumed the market.
Karimu, one of the affected shop owners, revealed his losses were over N25 million. “I received a distress call around 2:45 am that ‘Iso Pasti is on fire.’ By the time I got there, everything was gone. I just took delivery of auto spare parts from Tin Can Island. I’ve lost everything,” he lamented, appealing for government assistance.
The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, highlighted the challenges faced during the operation, including harassment from hoodlums. “Despite our efforts to extinguish the fire, hoodlums broke into shops and harassed our officers,” he stated.
The fire service is still battling to control the inferno, with calls for assistance from water tanker owners. While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, investigations are underway.
This incident follows a series of fire outbreaks in Ibadan, including a gas tanker fire along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway on Friday, which was successfully contained by the fire service.
Traders are calling for better security and proactive measures to prevent future occurrences, emphasizing the need for swift intervention to support those affected by the tragic loss.
