In a remarkable show of solidarity and proactive leadership, Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, took part in a rescue operation conducted by the state Fire Service to salvage goods and property at the Oja Tuntun Market, Baboko, Ilorin, located in Ilorin West Local Government Area on Wednesday night.
The fire outbreak, commencing at approximately 9:18 pm, affected 15 shops, resulting in estimated losses of N367.4 million.
Situated in the heart of the ancient town, Oja Tuntun Market, Baboko, accommodates 1,072 shops, 984 stands, and 27 warehouses.
The swift intervention by the state Fire Service, utilizing equipment from its major stations in Ilorin, successfully curtailed the fire, saving property estimated at about N25 billion.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined at the time of this report.
A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the state Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, outlined the prompt response on November 22, 2023.
Two fire appliances from Brigade Headquarters and Folawiyo Road Fire Station collaborated to control the blaze, limiting damage to only 15 shops.
Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, present at the scene, expressed sympathy for those affected and commended the efforts of the Kwara State Fire Service in managing the situation effectively.
Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, urged citizens to adopt the habit of switching off electrical appliances before bedtime to prevent fire incidents.
Meanwhile, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki expressed concern over the recurring fire incidents in Ilorin.
In a statement, Saraki sympathized with the victims of the recent fire at the Kuntu wing of Oja Tuntun.
He called for urgent measures to address these avoidable incidents and commended the fire service for their timely interventions.