By Ayodele Quadri, Lagos Times Correspondent
IBADAN, OYO STATE — The Oyo State Government has officially extended its sympathies to traders and shop owners following the midnight inferno that destroyed hundreds of shops at the Oranyan Market in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Monday, Acting Governor Bayo Lawal described the incident as a painful setback for local commerce and assured the trading community that the state government is moving quickly to assess losses and provide targeted relief.
Key Details of the Incident & Response
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Midnight Inferno: The fire broke out around midnight on Monday, August 24, 2026, originating in the central section of the market before spreading rapidly across wooden stalls and lock-up shops.
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Affected Commodities: The blaze severely affected sections housing gold merchants, furniture workshops, and secondhand clothing (Akube) dealers. Eyewitness estimates suggest between 200 and 300 shops were impacted.
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Government Intervention: Emergency teams from the Oyo State Fire Services and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) were deployed to extinguish remaining hotspots, secure the perimeter, and conduct a detailed physical assessment of the damage.
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Recurrent Market Fires: The disaster marks the second major commercial fire in Ibadan within 48 hours, coming closely after an August 22 fire outbreak at the Aleshinloye Market complex.
“We share in the pain and distress of all affected traders who lost valuable goods and livelihoods overnight. The state government is coordinating with market leaders and disaster management authorities to conduct a comprehensive assessment so we can determine the exact support needed.”
— Barr. Bayo Lawal, Acting Governor of Oyo State
