Properties worth millions were destroyed after a fire broke out on Wednesday evening at the popular phone village in Challenge Market, Ilorin, Kwara State, causing serious damage.
The inferno erupted about 9:06pm and was suspected to have been triggered by a power surge.
The market features about 120 businesses, 80 kiosks, and many stands. According to reports, the fire affected 10 kiosks.
Hassan Adekunle, spokesman for the Kwara State Fire Service, stated on Thursday that the fire primarily hit phone shops and service centres.
“Our fire crew promptly mobilised 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, sympathised with the market leaders and traders affected by the fire.
Olumuyiwa also prayed that all losses suffered would be divinely restored.
