Fire outbreak destroys 24 shops in Kwara
Fire at Mandate Market in Ilorin Destroys 24 Shops
ILORIN, Kwara State – A significant fire early Tuesday morning destroyed 24 shops at Mandate Market, a popular commercial hub in Ilorin. The fire sparked at approximately 4:44 a.m., affecting a market that contains over 200 shops.
According to Hassan Adekunle, spokesman for the Kwara State Fire Service, the damage was exacerbated by a delayed response. Firefighters arrived on the scene after the flames had spread substantially.
Preliminary investigations indicate the fire was triggered by a power surge. It reportedly began in a shop selling phone accessories and involved a nearby phone-charging business before spreading to adjacent shops that stored foodstuffs and other goods.
Despite the challenging situation, firefighters acted swiftly to contain the blaze and prevent it from consuming the entire market. Traders and market stakeholders expressed appreciation for the fire service’s prompt intervention.
Alabi Muhammed, director of the Kwara State Fire Service, visited the site around 10:00 a.m. to extend his sympathies to the affected shop owners. During his visit, he spoke with market association leaders, emphasizing his concern and commitment to providing ongoing support.
Muhammed urged market operators to prioritize fire safety measures. He recommended the installation of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire alarms, particularly for shops where owners may not be present during emergencies. He also reminded the community of the annual fire safety sensitization programs organized by the fire service, encouraging active participation to enhance market safety.
