A devastating fire engulfed Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan on Tuesday night, destroying goods worth millions of naira and leaving traders counting their losses. The inferno, which reportedly started at a plastic depot, spread rapidly, consuming multiple shops despite the presence of six fire trucks.

Among the worst-hit traders is Alhaji T. Bello of TY Bello Ventures, a plastic merchant who lost over ₦50 million worth of goods as her ten shops were completely razed overnight. Speaking through tears, she described the heartbreaking moment she watched her years of investment go up in flames.

Eyewitnesses and affected traders expressed anger and frustration, revealing that while a firefighters' station is located inside the market, it lacked trucks, water, and basic firefighting equipment to combat the blaze in its early stages. Shockingly, the first responders on the scene were Sweetco, a private company, arriving after hours of delay by the official fire service.

Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr. Adebayo Akinwande, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that efforts were made to control the fire but admitting that the delay worsened the damage. Meanwhile, Ibadan South West Local Government Chairman, Mr. Kehinde Adeyemi, assured affected traders of government support in rebuilding their businesses.

As traders lament their losses and demand accountability, the tragic incident raises serious concerns about fire safety preparedness in major markets across Oyo State.