Fire razes 24 shops at Ilorin Mandate market

By Muyideen Aliyu

An early morning fire outbreak has razed at least 24 shops at the popular Mandate Market in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. Out of a market block comprising over 200 shops, 24 were seriously affected by the inferno.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Ilorin on Tuesday, the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, Mr. Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, noted that the magnitude of the destruction was intensified by a late emergency call to the agency.

Adekunle explained that the fire had already spread significantly before firefighters arrived at the scene.

Despite the delay, the Fire Service displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in combating the inferno, successfully preventing it from spreading to the rest of the market.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by a power surge. It reportedly originated in a shop where phone accessories were sold alongside a phone-charging business before spreading to nearby shops used for storing foodstuffs and other commodities.

Traders and market stakeholders at the scene commended the firefighters for their intervention, which prevented the fire from engulfing the entire complex.

Meanwhile, the State Director of Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, visited the scene to sympathize with the affected traders. During a meeting with the heads of the market associations, he expressed his concerns over the incident and reassured them of the Fire Service’s continued support.

The Director urged market operators to invest in both active and passive fire safety measures, such as the installation of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire alarms.

He also stressed the importance of proper electrical protection devices, especially for emergencies that occur when shop owners are not present.

Muhammed reminded the market leaders of the annual fire safety sensitization programs organized by the Kwara State Fire Service.

He emphasized the need for traders to actively participate in these sessions and implement the safety recommendations provided.

He concluded by reiterating that the State Fire Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while advocating for proactive fire prevention measures across the state.