A devastating fire engulfed Moniya Market in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State early Monday, destroying 17 shops and causing significant losses. Reports indicate that the blaze, which began around 12:30 AM, may have been triggered by an electrical surge.
The inferno led to extensive damage, including the destruction of goods and cash worth millions of naira. Witnesses described how quickly the fire spread, prompting an urgent response from firefighters who managed to limit further losses.
Kolawole Balogun, the Babaloja of Moniya Garage, and Saliu Bello, the garage chairman, revealed they were alerted by a security guard. Balogun expressed shock at the magnitude of the destruction, noting the severe financial impact on traders.
“I rushed to the market as soon as I got the call,” Balogun recounted. “We lost goods worth millions of naira. Thankfully, the fire service arrived promptly, preventing even greater devastation. Unfortunately, large amounts of cash, often stored by traders in their shops overnight, were also destroyed.”
The incident highlights the vulnerability of traders who keep their earnings in their shops, underscoring the need for improved safety measures and secure cash storage options.
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