Fire destroys 24 shops in Kwara state

A fire that broke out in the early hours of Tuesday destroyed 24 shops in the Mandate Market, a well‑known trading hub in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.

The state fire service spokesman, Hassan Adekunle, said the blaze started at approximately 04:44 hours.

The market, which houses more than 200 shops, suffered damage to 24 of them.

Adekunle explained that the extent of the damage was worsened by a delayed emergency call; the fire had already spread widely before firefighters arrived.

Firefighters from the state fire service were praised for their courage and professionalism in containing the blaze and preventing further loss across the market.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a power surge triggered the fire.

“The fire reportedly started in a shop that sold phone accessories and operated a phone‑charging service, before spreading to adjacent shops storing foodstuffs and other goods,” the spokesman said.

Traders and market officials at the scene thanked the firefighters for their rapid response and for stopping the fire from engulfing the entire market.

At about 10:00 hours, Alabi Muhammed, director of the state fire service, visited the site to express sympathy to the affected traders.

During the visit he met with the male and female heads of the market associations, voiced concern over the incident, and assured them of continued support from the fire service.

Alabi Muhammed urged market operators to adopt both active and passive fire‑safety measures, such as installing fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and proper electrical protection devices, especially where shop owners may be absent during emergencies.

He also reminded market leaders of the annual fire‑safety sensitisation programmes organised by the state fire service for markets throughout the state, emphasizing the importance of trader participation and implementation of the safety recommendations presented during these events.