1st May, 2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
A late-night fire outbreak at the bustling Challenge Phone Village in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, left several traders counting their losses as goods worth millions of naira were destroyed.
The fire, which started around 9:06pm, reportedly resulted from a power surge and affected about 10 kiosks within the market, which hosts more than 120 shops and 80 kiosks.
The Head of Media and Publicity for the Fire Service, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, also confirmed that the situation was brought under control quickly after the distress call was received.
“Swift intervention by the Kwara State Fire Service helped prevent what could have been a much larger catastrophe.” He said
Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, while speaking on the incident, commiserated with affected traders and praised his team for their quick action. “We thank God that our team was able to curtail the fire before it escalated further. I deeply sympathize with all those affected and pray that their losses will be replenished in multiple folds,” he said.
Some traders at the market expressed relief and gratitude for the fire service’s prompt response, noting that the professionalism displayed helped save dozens of other shops and businesses from destruction.
Residents and business owners have been urged to remain vigilant and report fire incidents without delay by contacting the fire service on 08030419316, 112, or 08025896740.
