Just in: Another tragedy struck the city of Ibadan as fire engulfs Gate spare part market. (VIDEOS)

Tragedy struck the city of Ibadan once again as a devastating fire swept through the Agodi Gate Spare Parts Market and the adjoining food market in the early hours of Saturday, December 21, 2024.

The inferno, which reportedly began around 1:00 a.m., destroyed properties worth millions of naira. Videos circulating on social media show extensive flames consuming numerous shops and goods, while fire trucks, police, and soldiers were present at the scene trying to manage the disaster.

In one video, a voice narrates the harrowing scene, saying, “This is the second fire truck trying to stop the fire, but the flames keep raging. Houses near the food market are also burning down. It is 1 a.m., and soldiers and police are here, but only God can save us.”

Preliminary reports indicate that the fire quickly spread through the market due to the high concentration of flammable materials and closely packed structures. Traders watched helplessly as their goods were reduced to ashes despite efforts by firefighters.

Witnesses noted that emergency responders faced significant challenges, including gaining access to certain parts of the market. The fire persisted for hours before it could be brought under control, but not without extensive damage.

The Agodi Gate Spare Parts Market is a major commercial hub in Ibadan, dealing in automobile parts and food supplies. Many traders are now counting heavy losses as entire shops and their contents were destroyed. Residents have expressed their sorrow and frustration, especially as this incident follows other recent tragedies in the city, including a stampede at a funfair earlier in the week.

At the time of reporting, the Oyo State Government has not issued an official statement on the incident. However, it is expected that an investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the fire and evaluate preventive measures for future occurrences.

Residents and market users have expressed concern over the frequency of fire outbreaks in major markets within the state. They are calling for improved fire prevention strategies, including better market planning, increased access to fire extinguishing equipment, and more proactive fire safety education for traders.

As authorities assess the full scale of the damage, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance and adequate infrastructure in mitigating disasters in commercial areas.