A swift intervention by the Oyo State Fire Services Agency on Monday night prevented a major disaster after fire gutted three shops on Kudeti Street, opposite SA Filling Station, in the Jericho area of Ibadan.
The incident, which occurred around 11:10 p.m., was triggered by sparks from high-tension cables that ignited combustible materials in bamboo-structured shops built along the fence of a nearby estate.
Acting Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Bamidele Samsudeen, who led the operation, said firemen responded promptly to a distress call and stopped the blaze from spreading to residential buildings and other properties.
“No casualties were recorded, and properties worth millions of naira were saved due to the timely intervention of our officers,” Samsudeen said.
The Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, praised the firefighters for their swift response. He urged residents to maintain safe distances from high- and low-voltage electrical lines, especially during the ember months when fire outbreaks are more common.
Akinwande further advised the public to report fire incidents promptly and ensure they provide accurate addresses to enable quick response from emergency services.