An early Monday morning fire destroyed several shops at the popular Oranya Market in Ibadan North-East Local Government Area of Oyo State.

An eyewitness estimated that nearly 300 shops were affected, with traders dealing in gold, furniture, second-hand clothing and other goods among those impacted. The Oyo State fire authorities said it was too early to determine the exact number of shops affected.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services, Morof Akinwande, confirmed the incident, saying the fire started in the middle of the market following an explosion.

He said authorities are yet to establish whether the explosion was caused by gas or another source. According to Akinwande, the fire was brought under control by about 1am, while investigations would determine the extent of damage and the number of shops and goods destroyed.

— PUNCH