Fire destroys shops and merchandise at Kwara market.

On Tuesday, a severe fire broke out in a well‑known market in Kwara State, reducing several stalls to ash and wiping out merchandise valued at millions of naira.

The blaze erupted in Ilorin, causing panic among traders as flames quickly advanced before fire crews could gain control.

According to witnesses, the fire originated in a locked shop and then leapt to neighboring stalls, engulfing fabrics, food products and other goods.

“We just started hearing people shouting ‘fire, fire!’ before everything went out of control. People were running helplessly,” an eyewitness said.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause, but many traders suspect an electrical malfunction.

Fire service officials and market authorities collaborated to keep the fire from spreading to additional sections of the market.