On the night of November 22, 2023, Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, actively participated in a rescue mission alongside the state Fire Service to salvage goods and property at Oja Tuntun Market, Baboko, Ilorin.
As learned by Quest Times, the fire which began around 9:18 pm, impacted 15 shops, resulting in an estimated loss of N367.4m.
Situated in the heart of Ilorin, Oja Tuntun Market, Baboko is a bustling hub with 1,072 shops, 984 stands, and 27 warehouses.
The state Fire Service, swiftly deploying equipment from key stations in Ilorin, managed to save property valued at approximately N25bn, effectively containing the fire’s spread.
Moreover, the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, as stated by Hassan Adekunle, the Head of Media and Publicity of the state Fire Service.
Adekunle in an official statement, noted the prompt response of the fire service, which helped minimize damage, with only 15 shops affected.
“The Oja Tuntun Market, housing 1,072 shops, 984 stands, and 27 warehouses, experienced minimal damage, with only 15 shops affected by the inferno.
“The fire service’s prompt and efficient response helped save commodities and property valued at over N25bn. The cause of the fire couldn’t be affirmed yet while investigation is ongoing.”
Also, Governor AbdulRazaq, present at the scene, expressed sympathy for those affected, and commended the Fire Service for its efficient handling of the situation.
The Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, also emphasized the importance of citizens turning off electrical appliances before bedtime to prevent fire incidents.
“This would help them to prevent the chances of fire incidents in their various homes, marketplaces, offices and also help them to drastically reduce it,” he said.
Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in a statement by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganyu Abdulqadir, which was made available to newsmen on Thursday, also voiced concern over the recurring fire incidents in Ilorin, sympathizing with the victims of the Oja Tuntun blaze.
Saraki applauded the timely intervention of the fire service and called for urgent measures to address these incidents, stressing the impact on people’s livelihoods.
Conclusively, he urged collective efforts to find lasting solutions, while extending prayers for the affected marketers.