It started as a small spark, an ordinary radio left plugged in, but by late Monday afternoon in the heart of Ibadan, it had become a raging fire swallowing millions in property. As smoke rose over the Oje market area, anxious residents watched as flames engulfed the upper floor of a residential building, turning memories and livelihoods to ash in minutes.
Prompt intervention from Oyo’s fire service prevented a wider disaster, but the damage leaves a sobering lesson about fire safety in homes.
- A residential building near Ibadan's Oje market caught fire due to electrical sparks from an idle radio
- The fire was contained by the Oyo State Fire Service before spreading to nearby shops and stalls
- Property damage on the upper floor was estimated in the millions of naira
- No casualties were reported, thanks to the prompt emergency response
- Authorities urged greater caution with household electrical appliances
For the families affected, the fire was not just a loss of belongings, but a reminder of how quickly life can change with a single spark.
