Over 22 shops were destroyed at Kara Market in Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, when fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, 20th August 2025.
Reports indicated that the incident occurred around 1:35 a.m. when one of the occupants of the affected plank shops allegedly failed to properly extinguish a cooking fire, which later reignited and spread to nearby shops.
Although the value of goods lost could not be immediately ascertained, traders were said to have suffered heavy losses running into millions of naira.
Confirming the incident, Head of Media and Publicity of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, said their operatives were able to contain the fire before it reached the section where animals were tied.
Adekunle explained that out of 323 shops in the market, which include plank shops, kiosks and container shops, the fire destroyed 22 plank shops and six container shops.
He further said, “The affected shops were mainly those where foodstuffs such as rice, yam flour, corn, millet and guinea corn were sold, while the containers housed provisions and daily needs items. It was a very disturbing situation, especially at that time of the night.”
According to him, the firefighters battled through the night to prevent wider destruction of property and ensure the safety of other traders.
The Service Spokesperson also quoted the Director of the State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, as saluting the swift response of his men, stressing that their quick intervention saved hundreds of shops and properties from being consumed.
This is as he pleaded with the traders and residents to always embrace fire safety measures and avoid negligence, especially in markets where combustible materials are in large supply.
