A blaze on Monday gutted 15 shops at the popular Bodija foodstuffs market in Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying property worth millions of Nigerian naira.
The fire, which swept through the market’s crowded aisles, left the storefronts and merchandise charred and ruined. The incident occurred in the heart of Ibadan, the state capital of Oyo, a city known for its bustling commercial hubs.
Local residents and traders reported that the flames spread rapidly, forcing many shopkeepers to evacuate and leaving the market in a state of disarray. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Authorities have not yet released detailed figures on the total loss, but the damage is estimated to be in the millions of naira, reflecting the high value of goods and equipment stored in the affected shops.
Oyo State, located in southwestern Nigeria, is one of the country’s most populous regions and a major economic centre, with Ibadan serving as a key commercial and cultural hub.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>