Generator Mishap Sparks Fire, Razes 10 Shops in Ibadan’s Ogunpa Market
Oyo Fire Service Neutralizes Major Outbreak at Iya Maryam Adebara Complex
A late-night fire outbreak on Monday, February 9, 2026, resulted in the total destruction of at least 10 shops at the Iya Maryam Adebara Complex, situated in the Ogunpa Market area of Ibadan. The incident, which disrupted commercial activities in the densely populated market hub, was reportedly triggered by an industrial safety oversight involving a power generator.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Mr. Moroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident in an official statement released on Tuesday. According to the agency, a distress call was received from the Baale of Ogunpa, Alhaji Nurudeen Lawal, at approximately 8:11 p.m. on Monday, prompting an immediate mobilization of emergency responders.
Emergency Response and Containment
Upon arrival at the scene, personnel from the Oyo State Fire Services Agency found 10 shops already fully engulfed in flames. To prevent a wider catastrophe within the market complex, the state firemen were joined by the Federal Fire Service in a collaborative effort to extinguish the blaze.
“Our officers swiftly got into action and prevented the fire from spreading to other shops and nearby properties,” Akinwande stated. The rapid intervention was cited as the primary reason more than 10 units were saved from the inferno, considering the highly flammable nature of goods typically stored in the Ogunpa trade zone.
Cause and Casualties
Preliminary investigations by the fire service attributed the cause of the inferno to a fueling accident. It was reported that an occupant of one of the shops attempted to refuel an operating generator, leading to a flash fire that quickly spread through the complex.
Crucially, the agency confirmed that there were no fatalities or injuries recorded during the incident. Police personnel from the Iyaganku Police Headquarters were also on-site to provide security and prevent looting or crowd-related complications during the emergency operations.
Implications for Market Safety and Policy
For traders, investors, and urban planners, the Ogunpa fire underscores the persistent risks associated with decentralized power generation in Nigerian markets. The incident highlights a critical need for:
Enhanced Fire Safety Awareness: Stricter enforcement of regulations regarding the handling of combustible fuels near operating machinery.
Infrastructure Upgrades: The transition toward centralized or renewable energy solutions in market complexes to reduce individual generator usage.
Proactive Emergency Reporting: The timely distress call from community leadership proved vital in limiting the scope of the property loss.
While the loss of 10 shops represents a significant economic blow to the affected traders, the coordinated response of the state and federal fire services prevented a larger-scale disaster. As the Oyo State Fire Services Agency continues to advocate for safer operational practices, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of informal energy management in high-density commercial districts.
