In the early hours of Sunday, a section of the popular Agbeni Market in Ibadan, Oyo State was gutted by fire, causing significant damage to one of the biggest fabric markets in Nigeria. The fire started at around 4:30 am, and the cause of the blaze is yet to be determined.
Yemi Akinyemi, the General Manager of Fire Services, confirmed the incident, saying, “The agency received the distress call at exactly 04:37hrs through Sunday Ogundele, Access Bank security that Agbeni market was on fire.” He also confirmed that his team is working to contain the blaze, and they are grateful to the Central Bank of Nigeria for providing water to help with the firefighting efforts.
While the main causes of the inferno are yet to be known, some of the victims have been contacted. The incident has caused significant damage to the market, leading to losses for traders and business owners.
To prevent future occurrences, it is essential to prioritize fire safety measures in markets and public spaces. This includes the provision of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and other safety equipment, as well as regular fire drills and training for market traders and staff.
The authorities should also investigate the cause of the fire and take measures to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future. The public can also play a role in preventing fires by being careful with flammable materials and reporting any potential fire hazards to the relevant authorities.
In conclusion, the fire incident at Agbeni market is a reminder of the importance of fire safety in public spaces. It is crucial to take proactive measures to prevent such occurrences and ensure the safety of people and property.