An early morning fire has destroyed hundreds of shops and goods worth millions of naira at the popular Oranyan Market in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The inferno, which occurred on Monday, August 24, 2026, left traders counting their losses as gold sellers, furniture dealers, second-hand clothes sellers and other business owners reportedly lost their sources of livelihood.
A trader, simply identified as Iya Alia, said the fire started around midnight and affected almost 300 shops.
“The shops affected were almost 300. Those affected were gold sellers, furniture sellers, second-hand clothes sellers and many others,” she said.
Another victim, Mrs Oluremi Azeezat, whose shop was completely razed, appealed to the government and members of the public for urgent assistance.
“I don’t even know where to start. I’m just pleading to the government and individuals to come and help us. We have lost our sources of livelihood,” she said.
A furniture dealer, Mr Segun Abimbola, said he lost money and newly purchased goods stored in his shop to the fire.
“I can’t say anything for now. I kept money in my shop and all the newly purchased goods are gone. We need help. My means of livelihood has gone,” he said.
An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, described the incident as “devastating” and “huge,” as traders struggled to assess the extent of the damage.
Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services, Mr Moruf Akinwande, said the fire reportedly started in the middle of the market following an explosion.
“Yes, it occurred. Whether it’s a gas explosion or other things. And when you have a gas explosion, it would spread. But as I am talking to you, the situation has been under control since 1 a.m.,” Akinwande said.
He, however, said it was too early to determine the exact number of shops and the value of goods destroyed, noting that a post-fire investigation would be required.
“On the number of shops and inventory, that is too early because that’s post-fire outbreak investigation. But shops were actually gone,” he stated.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over recurring fire outbreaks in markets across Ibadan.
In 2024, a similar fire outbreak at the herbal section of Oranyan Market destroyed more than 200 shops.
Also, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, nine locked-up shops were reportedly razed by fire at the Nigerian Railway shopping complex along Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
The affected Oranyan traders have consequently appealed to the Oyo State Government, relevant agencies and members of the public to come to their aid, saying the disaster has wiped out their businesses and means of livelihood.
