Fire destroys Bode Market in Ibadan, traders count millions in losses
A fire outbreak at Ibadan’s Bode Market destroyed goods worth millions of naira, leaving traders devastated and calling for government assistance.
A fire broke out early Saturday morning, gutting parts of Bode Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying goods worth millions of naira. Bode Market is one of Ibadan’s largest markets and a major trading centre for herbs, animal hides and other traditional products.
The fire spread from one section of the market to another, destroying shops and valuable goods in affected buildings. Firefighters arrived at the scene and eventually contained the blaze, preventing further spread. However, emergency responders faced challenges accessing parts of the market due to the congested layout and dense building structures, which hindered firefighting operations.
No casualties were reported, but the fire has left many traders destitute. “Everything is gone. I do not know where to start from. All my investments are gone. The government should help us,” one devastated trader said.
Donations have begun pouring in. Sarafadeen Alli, the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, donated ₦25 million to affected traders. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the APM, donated ₦2.5 million. The Oyo APC State Women Leader, Adekemi Opatunde, donated ₦5 million and 15,000 nose masks.
The fire at Bode Market is the latest in a string of market fires across Nigeria. The pattern is familiar: congested markets, poor fire safety infrastructure, delayed emergency response, and traders left with nothing. The donations from politicians are welcome. They are also a reminder that the state’s emergency response systems are failing.
The winners: politicians who gain goodwill through donations. The losers: traders who lost their livelihoods, and the Oyo State government, which has not yet offered any assistance.
Bottom Line: A market fire in Ibadan. Millions in losses. Politicians donating. The government is silent. This is the Nigerian way.