By Fatai Kasali
The Ogun community was thrown into a state of confusion on Tuesday when a powerful explosion engulfed the new Agbado main market in Ifo local government.
The incident resulted in the devastating destruction of property worth millions of naira.
Shopkeepers reported that around 1:00 am, a lethal fire suddenly broke out, engulfing all ten shops located in the vicinity and destroying goods worth millions of naira.
Unfortunately, no one was able to salvage anything due to the rapid spread of the fire.
Chief Mrs. Sakirat Akingbola, the Iya Loja of the main market, expressed her dismay at the extent of the havoc wreaked by the fire.
Upon her arrival, she found that nothing was left for them to salvage.
High Chief Sunday, the Baale of Ago Agbado, another prominent member of the community, was shocked upon receiving news of the fire outbreak. He stated that such a tragic event had never occurred in the area before.
Immediately after the incident, the local police were alerted, and the fire service from Lagos was contacted.
Baale Afonta Agbado also confirmed the unprecedented nature of the incident. In response to the urgent call for assistance, fire brigade engines rushed to the scene.
However, all efforts to extinguish the fire proved futile as the flames had reduced the area to rubble. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the disaster. The affected community members are now appealing to the government for support in rebuilding the market and restoring normalcy.
As at the time of filing this report, the ten shopkeepers are still assessing their losses.