A massive fire engulfed the popular spare parts market at Gate, Ibadan, Oyo State, in the early hours of Saturday, destroying properties worth billions of naira.
The inferno, which reportedly began around midnight, continued to rage as firefighters and local residents battled to contain the flames.
This tragic incident comes just days after over 30 people lost their lives in a stampede at the Islamic High School in Ibadan, casting a pall of grief over the city.
Confirming the fire to The PUNCH on Saturday morning, the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, said:
“We are battling with a serious inferno at Agodi-Gate. Help us to call water tanker owners to assist us. We are still here battling with the situation.”
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, with investigations underway to ascertain what triggered the disaster.
