Firefighters Contain Blaze, Save Multi-Million Naira Property in Kwara Market
Quick action by the Kwara State Fire Service, supported by the Federal Fire Service, averted a major disaster on Saturday at the popular Ipata Market in Ilorin, Kwara State. A fire outbreak at the Haruna Kannike Shopping Complex, which houses 25 shops and 44 rooms, caused significant damage but was prevented from spreading further by the firefighters’ swift intervention.
The fire, reportedly caused by a power surge, destroyed 22 rooms but spared the remaining 22 rooms and all 25 shops, thanks to the diligent efforts of the fire crews.
Fire Service Response
Confirming the incident, Kwara State Fire Service spokesman Hassan Adekunle said the distress call was received at 1:10 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
“A fire truck and crew promptly responded to the blaze at Haruna Kannike Shopping Complex, a two-story building in Ipata Market. When we arrived, some rooms on the upper floor were already engulfed in flames,” Adekunle explained.
“Despite the challenging situation, our team successfully contained and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading further. While 22 rooms were affected, we saved 22 other rooms and all 25 shops.”
Cause of the Fire
Preliminary investigations indicated that a prolonged five-day power outage in parts of Ilorin preceded the fire. Shortly after electricity was restored by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), a power surge occurred, igniting the fire on the upper floor of the building.
Adekunle also noted the collaborative efforts of the Federal Fire Service, whose personnel joined the operation to extinguish the flames. “The synergy between the two agencies was instrumental in containing the incident,” he said.
Call for Safety Measures
Prince Falade John, Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, commended the firefighters for their prompt response and urged the public to adopt fire safety precautions.
“To prevent such incidents, we strongly advise residents to unplug electrical appliances when not in use and prioritize basic fire safety measures,” Falade said.
The swift intervention of the fire services not only saved millions of naira worth of property but also prevented the fire from causing more extensive damage in one of Ilorin’s busiest commercial hubs.
