Inferno destroys shops in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga

A fire broke out at the Police Barracks, Omolewa, Yemetu area of Ibadan on Saturday, destroying six out of 24 shops in a shopping complex.

WESTERN POST gathered that property worth millions of naira was lost in the early morning inferno.

The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr. Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident on Saturday.

“The unfortunate incident was reported at exactly 2:09 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

“Fire personnel led by ACFS Adedeji (Mrs) were promptly deployed to the scene. On arrival, it was discovered that lock-up shops were on fire. We quickly swung into action and were able to contain the fire in time.

“The fire was restricted from spreading to other nearby shops. No casualties were recorded. Only six shops out of twenty-four were affected by the fire.

“The cause of the incident was traced to the overheating of a plugged-in deep freezer left unattended overnight, which caught fire and ignited the surrounding area.

“The officer in charge advised occupants and onlookers at the scene to handle all sources of ignition with care, and to switch off and unplug electrical appliances not in use to ensure safety.”