Deborah Akinyosoye
A fire broke out on Wednesday evening at the popular phone village in Challenge Market, Ilorin, Kwara State, causing serious damage.
The fire started around 9:06pm and was believed to have been caused by a power surge.
The market has over 120 shops, 80 kiosks, and many stands. Reports said 10 kiosks were affected by the fire.
In a statement by the spokesman for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, on Thursday, said the fire mainly affected phone shops and repair centres.
“Our fire crew promptly mobilized and arrived at the scene to find several shops engulfed in flames,” he said.
“The market comprises over 120 shops, 80 kiosks, and numerous stands. Through swift intervention, professionalism, and tactical expertise, our team successfully curtailed the spread of the fire, limiting its impact to only 10 kiosks.
“The affected areas were primarily phone stores and repair shops. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was caused by a power surge.
“Traders and market stakeholders commended the Kwara State Fire Service for their rapid response and effectiveness in saving the market from widespread destruction.”
The Director of the State Fire Service, Falade Olumuyiwa, sympathized with the market leaders and traders affected by the fire. Olumuyiwa also prayed that all losses suffered would be divinely restored.