A fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday at Kara Market in Ajase-Ipo town, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to a statement by the spokesman of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, at least 22 plank shops and six containers were affected out of the market’s total of 323 shops.
The statement read in part: “The Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak at Kara Market, Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area, in the early hours of Wednesday, 20th August 2025, at exactly 01:35hrs.
“On arrival at the scene, firefighters discovered that out of a total of 323 shops in the market, comprising 22 plank shops and 7 kiosks among others, the fire affected 22 plank shops and 6 container shops.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident was caused by negligence, as one of the occupants of the plank shops failed to properly extinguish fire used for cooking.
“The fire later reignited, spreading rapidly to nearby shops.”
Adekunle disclosed that the timely intervention of the state fire service helped prevent further escalation and safeguarded hundreds of other shops and properties from destruction.
The director of the state fire service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, urged the public to always ensure proper handling of fire and to take safety measures seriously, particularly in marketplaces where combustible materials are abundant.
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