Fire Destroys Hundreds of Shops at Oranyan Market in Ibadan
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Opurum Brendan Ogaidi
IBADAN, OYO STATE — A midnight fire outbreak has destroyed hundreds of shops and goods at the popular Oranyan Market in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, leaving traders counting their losses.
The fire occurred on Sunday night, August 23, and continued into the early hours of Monday, August 24, 2026. Several sections of the market were affected, including shops dealing in jewellery, furniture, second-hand clothing and other merchandise.
Eyewitnesses said the fire started around midnight and spread rapidly through parts of the market. Some traders estimated that close to 300 shops may have been affected, although the figure has not been officially confirmed.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency and Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms, Morof Akinwande, confirmed the incident but cautioned against relying on unverified figures.
Akinwande said the fire reportedly started in the middle of the market following an explosion. He added that it was too early to determine whether the explosion was caused by gas or another source, as investigations were still ongoing.
According to the fire service chief, the blaze was brought under control at about 1:00 a.m., preventing it from spreading to other sections of the market.
The authorities have yet to establish the exact number of shops destroyed or the total value of goods lost. Officials said a proper post-fire assessment would be required before the extent of the damage could be accurately determined.
Reports from the scene indicated significant destruction, with traders losing merchandise and business premises. Some affected traders have appealed to the government and members of the public for assistance to enable them rebuild their businesses and recover their livelihoods.
The Oyo State Acting Governor, Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, visited the affected market alongside government officials and representatives of the National Emergency Management Agency and the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency.
Lawal expressed sympathy to the affected traders and said the visit was aimed at assessing the damage and obtaining accurate information on the number of stalls and traders affected. He also assured the victims of government intervention and support.
The Acting Governor said no life was lost in the incident, describing the scale of destruction as massive. He said the assessment would help the government determine the appropriate assistance required by the affected traders.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over recurring market fires in Ibadan and the need for stronger fire-prevention measures, improved emergency access and better safety monitoring in major commercial centres.
Oranyan Market had previously suffered a major fire in 2024, when more than 200 shops in its herbal section were reportedly destroyed. The latest incident also occurred just days after another fire destroyed nine locked-up shops at the Nigerian Railway Shopping Complex around the Aleshinloye Market area of Ibadan.
As investigations continue, traders affected by the latest disaster are awaiting further government intervention while officials work to establish the precise extent and cause of the damage.
