A fire outbreak at the Bode Traditional Herbs and Other Products Market, commonly known as Iso Alagbo, in the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State has left traders counting their losses. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, July 2, according to reports.
Fire Spreads Rapidly Through Stalls
The fire reportedly started in one shop and quickly spread to adjoining stalls, causing extensive damage. The full extent of the losses is yet to be quantified, but traders described the destruction as devastating.
Many traders were seen fighting back tears as they watched their livelihoods go up in flames. One affected trader, who identified herself as Mama Kaila, said: “It’s been a long time since we experienced this kind of incident in the market. The market leadership always advises us to be careful with the electrical appliances in our various shops. Our losses cannot be quantified. All I can say for now is that they run into millions of naira.”
No Casualties Reported
Despite the massive destruction, no lives were lost in the incident. Mama Kaila expressed gratitude for that, adding: “We thank God that no life was lost in the incident. I also thank the officials of the Oyo State Fire Service for their prompt response to the incident.”
The fire service’s swift action helped prevent the blaze from spreading further, though many shops had already been consumed. The market, a hub for traditional herbs and related products, is a key economic center in the area.
Traders are now left to assess their losses and seek ways to recover. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but electrical faults are suspected. Market leaders have repeatedly advised traders to exercise caution with electrical appliances to prevent such disasters.
