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A devastating fire tore through a building materials market in the Ita Amodu area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Tuesday, reducing goods worth millions of naira to ashes. Among the losses were a truck fully loaded with mattresses, multiple buildings, and shops, leaving traders reeling from the destruction.
The fire, which reportedly ignited around 10 am at Ile Bilewu, Alabi-Owo Junction in Ita Amodu, was triggered by a collision between a truck and a high-tension power line. According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the resulting blaze rapidly engulfed a building containing 47 rooms and 19 shops, leaving significant damage in its wake.
In a statement addressing the incident, Hassan Adekunle, who serves as the Principal Fire Officer and the Head of Media and Publicity for the Kwara State Fire Service, provided confirmation of the tragic event.
The Fire Service explained that the fire’s rapid escalation was largely due to the flammability of the mattresses. Matters worsened when a nearby step-down transformer erupted in an explosion, intensifying the flames and spreading destruction to neighboring structures.
“Upon arrival at the scene, we encountered a massive inferno originating from a lorry overloaded with mattresses. The fire spread from the lorry to a nearby building containing 47 rooms and 19 shops. Despite the intensity, our firefighters managed to prevent further destruction, saving 31 rooms and 12 shops. Unfortunately, seven shops and 16 rooms were affected,” Adekunle said.
The Fire Service explained that the fire’s rapid escalation was largely due to the flammability of the mattresses. Matters worsened when a nearby step-down transformer erupted in an explosion, intensifying the flames and spreading destruction to neighboring structures.
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He commended residents in the area for their assistance, noting that their collaboration with firefighters played a vital role in containing the fire and ensuring the safety of people nearby.
“We appreciate the timely support of the people, who worked closely with our team to control the fire and limit the damage,” he said.
The service also lauded the Nigeria Police Force for their intervention in protecting firefighters from hoodlums attempting to disrupt the operation.
“The police presence ensured the safety of our personnel during a volatile situation,” the statement added.
It extended gratitude to media outlets for their timely updates, which kept the public informed and helped manage panic during the incident.
The Service Director, John Falade, emphasised the importance of adhering to safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The incident highlights the critical need for safety precautions, especially when handling flammable materials and operating near power lines,” Falade stated.
The fire has left traders and residents counting their losses, with calls for improved safety regulations and response mechanisms to avert future disasters.
