Livestock traders lament losses in Kwara Market blaze

Livestock traders in Olusola Saraki Market, Ita-Nma, Ilorin, Kwara State, are lamenting their losses following a devastating fire that occurred on Friday night. The fire, which consumed over 15 shops, resulted in the destruction of millions of naira worth of livestock and goods.

The market, which had been relocated from the Ago Livestock Market and renamed Olusola Saraki Market, was hit by the blaze, which destroyed goats, rams, sheep, chickens, clothing materials, provisions, and beverages.

According to a statement from the Kwara State Fire Service, the fire was caused by a power surge from fluctuating electricity supply. The incident occurred at around 9:36 p.m. on January 10, 2025.

“The fire service responded quickly and contained the fire, limiting the damage to seven shops while saving the remaining 269 shops,” said Hassan Adekunle, Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity for the Kwara State Fire Service.

The traders, however, suffered significant losses, especially those involved in livestock trading, with animals and goods reduced to ashes.

Alhaji Yakub Oloso, Vice Chairman of the Livestock Sellers Association, appealed for government support, lamenting the extent of the damage and the devastating impact on their livelihoods.

“We were notified at around 8 p.m. that our stalls were on fire, and although the fire service arrived by 9 p.m., a lot had already been lost, including our livestock,” Oloso said, urging Kwara State Governor Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq to provide assistance to those affected.

Other traders, including Saliu Kelebe and Iya Abu, also spoke about their losses, with Iya Abu noting that her three refrigerators stocked with provisions were destroyed in the fire.

Babatunde Ladan, Chairman of Ilorin West Local Government Council, visited the site and promised assistance to the traders, expressing his sympathy and the expectation that Governor AbdulRazaq would provide relief to those affected.

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