A devastating fire broke out at the bustling Ita-Amodu market along Old-Yidi Road in Ilorin, wreaking havoc on properties and nearby shops. The incident, which occurred after a truck loaded with foam came into contact with a live electrical wire, has left traders and residents in distress.
According to an eyewitness, the fire erupted suddenly, spreading uncontrollably within minutes. “The fire started from the truck when it touched a lifewire, and within moments, it spread to nearby shops. It was heartbreaking to watch,” they told Kwara Express.
Efforts to control the inferno faced significant challenges due to a lack of water. “We tried all our possible efforts in calling the fire service, but all our efforts couldn’t yield positive responses,” lamented another witness.
To better understand the impact, Kwara Express interviewed a few affected individuals at the scene. A market trader, Alhaji Sulaiman Abdulrahman, expressed his sympathy for the victims, emphasizing the need for safety education. “This tragedy highlights our lack of preparedness. The government and stakeholders must prioritize safety training and provide support for affected traders,” he urged.
Mrs. Hafsat Badmus, another trader, echoed his concerns. “We need urgent intervention. Markets are our lifeline, and such disasters take away our livelihoods,” she said.
Chinedu Okafor, an Igbo businessman in the area, also called for swift action. “It’s not just about rebuilding after such incidents; the authorities must educate traders on preventing hazards, especially during harmattan when fires spread easily,” he stated.
Experts are now advocating for rapid support and intensified safety education, particularly during the dry harmattan season, when fire outbreaks are more frequent.
As the extent of the damage continues to be assessed, the victims and stakeholders are united in their plea for proactive measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
