Fire guts eight shops at Gbagi market in Ibadan
By Adejayan Gbenga
A fire outbreak has destroyed eight shops at the Bola-Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan, Oyo State, with no casualties reported.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening, October 29, 2026, and was reported to the Oyo State Fire Services Agency at 7:21 p.m. The affected shops were located in the section of the complex between the Ajegunle and Kudus areas.
Firefighters from the state agency, supported by additional teams from its headquarters, responded to the incident and successfully prevented the blaze from spreading to neighbouring shops and properties.
The initial response team was led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent Adisa Wasiu, while two additional fire trucks were deployed under the supervision of the Director of Operations, Engr. I. A. Adeleke. The firefighting operation ended at about 11:32 p.m., after which the fire trucks returned to their stations.
Although the cause of the fire had yet to be conclusively established, preliminary investigations indicated that electrical sparks from an inverter system in one of the affected shops might have ignited nearby combustible materials.
The Oyo State Government said electricity supply to the complex had already been disconnected in line with its daily closing procedure when the incident occurred. Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Olajide Mamud Okesade, visited the scene on behalf of the Commissioner, Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, to assess the situation and offer support to affected traders.
The government commended the fire service, market leaders, traders, complex management and the Nigeria Police Force, Gbagi Divisional Headquarters, for their contributions to containing the outbreak.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Dr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged traders to install and maintain functional fire extinguishers in their shops. He also advised market managers to keep access roads and emergency routes clear to ensure prompt response to future emergencies, while encouraging residents to report fire incidents through the agency’s emergency lines: 08067439223, 08054353501 or the toll-free number 615.
