From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Wares worth several million naira were destroyed by a fire on Sunday at the popular Agbeni market in the north-western local government area of Ibadan in Oyo state.
The market, which is a wholesale depot for all kinds of drinks and drugs in the state, is surrounded by Ogunpa, Old Gbagi, Ita Merin Feleye, etc.
One of the affected traders, who introduced himself as Funmilayo Faruoq, said: “I received a distress call that the market was on fire at 3:45am on Sunday. I found ways to get to the market and when I got there the fire was still burning.
“But I ran into firefighters in the market trying to put out the fire. One of the fire service trucks that went to the scene had a mechanical failure and could not function as expected. Later, others were recruited to the scene.
“Our losses are in the millions of naira. We deal with chemicals that are used for agriculture and soap making. We call on the state government and other strong people to come to our aid.”
Ms. Taiwo Emmanuel, who is also a bidder in the market, said; “I received a distress call that the market was on fire. It was in far away Kisi (the seat of the Irepo Local Government of the state). They told me my store was on fire.
“I quickly mobilized the people on the ground but to no avail as all the assets worth millions of naira have turned to ashes.”
Meanwhile, the General Manager. When contacted by the Oyo State Fire Service, Yemi Akinyemi said: “The agency received the distress call at exactly 04:37 a.m. on Sunday Ogundele, Access Bank security agent, that Agbeni Market is in calls. The agency’s staff quickly deployed to the scene and upon arrival, the affected businesses were received well lit.
“Immediate action was taken and the fire was completely extinguished. Five of the multiple rows of stores were badly damaged by the fire. No lives were lost. But the goods were lost. The agency successfully saved billions of Naira worth of properties and saved the entire market from being destroyed by fire.
“We are grateful to the Central Bank of Nigeria for allowing us to use their water supply. It’s all under control”
