Fire Guts About 300 Shops at Oranya Market in Ibadan, Explosion Reported

A major fire outbreak has destroyed several shops at Oranya Market in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, throwing traders into panic on Monday morning.

The blaze reportedly started in the middle of the market following an explosion and spread to several shops before firefighters brought the situation under control. Traders dealing in gold, furniture, second-hand clothing and other goods were among those affected.

Oyo State Special Adviser on Fire Reforms and Chairman of the State Fire Services, Morof Akinwande, confirmed the incident but said the exact number of shops destroyed had yet to be established.

“Yes, it occurred. That number we cannot ascertain, but what is known is that some shops were destroyed and the fire incident started in the middle of the market with an explosion,” Akinwande said.

He added that the cause of the explosion had not been confirmed, noting that it could have involved gas or another source. According to him, the fire had been contained by about 1am, preventing further spread across the market.

The incident has raised concerns among traders, particularly those whose businesses were operating from the affected section of the market. The extent of the financial losses is yet to be officially determined as authorities assess the damage.

The latest outbreak comes just two days after another market fire in Ibadan destroyed nine locked-up shops at the Nigerian Railway shopping complex along Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.

That fire reportedly started at about 5am on Saturday, August 22, 2026, before firefighters were alerted. The cause of the latest Oranya Market fire and the full extent of the damage remain under investigation.