Home Blog Page 51

FG Begins Reconstruction Of 56.5km Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road To Boost Trade And Connectivity

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

The Federal Government has officially commenced the reconstruction and dualisation of the 56.5-kilometre Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road, a major project expected to strengthen transportation, improve economic activities and support development across Ogun and Oyo states.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the flag-off ceremony, said the project would help improve security, strengthen the agricultural value chain and create direct and indirect employment opportunities for residents of both states.

The ceremony was held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ape, Ibadan.

President Tinubu described the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor as an important economic route linking Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode with the Lekki economic axis, while also providing connections to other parts of the South-West and Nigeria.

According to the President, the project reflects his administration’s commitment to developing strategic economic corridors and delivering infrastructure capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.

He said the commencement of the project was more than another road construction initiative but “a decisive statement that no critical infrastructure deficit will be ignored and no strategic economic corridor will be allowed to stand in the way of our collective prosperity.”

“The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road is too important to Oyo State, Ogun State, Lagos and, indeed, the entire Nigeria to be left unattended to.

“Today, the Renewed Hope Agenda moves beyond promises into practical action through a project that will improve mobility, strengthen commerce and create new possibilities for our people,” he said.

Tinubu said better road infrastructure would support trade, increase productivity, lower transportation costs and create opportunities for farmers, manufacturers, traders and other Nigerians.

He disclosed that the project would involve the construction of approximately 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement designed to improve durability, safety and long-term value.

The President said the contractor had assured the government that the work would be completed in less than 24 months. He directed the company to mobilise fully to the site, comply with approved specifications and deliver within the agreed timeframe.

He also appealed to communities along the corridor to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors and relevant government agencies to facilitate the smooth execution of the project.

Tinubu warned against encroachment, disruptions and unreasonable demands that could slow down construction, stressing that the cooperation of all stakeholders would be essential to the project’s success.

According to him, the project’s impact should ultimately be measured by the benefits it brings to Nigerians, including easier movement of agricultural products from farms to markets, faster transportation of goods, reduced travel times and improved access to employment, education and healthcare.

The President also disclosed that approval had been given for the reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road, which he said would further improve connectivity between the two cities and stimulate economic activity in Ogun and Oyo states.

Minister of Works Dave Umahi said Tinubu had directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Ibadan–Abeokuta Road, with the procurement process already underway.

Umahi disclosed that Oyo State currently has 17 major road projects out of 47 Federal Government projects being implemented across the South-West.

He added that Ogun and Ondo states have a combined 82-kilometre section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which he said would provide access to the largest seaport currently under development in Ogun State.

Highlighting other Federal Government projects in the region, the minister mentioned the 1,068-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Road, with 258 kilometres already dualised.

He also cited the 56-kilometre Oyo–Ogbomoso Road, which he said was 80 per cent complete, as well as the 34-kilometre Oyo–Ibadan Road, which had been abandoned but was revived by the current administration.

Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode project, as one of Nigeria’s best-equipped indigenous construction companies, with experience delivering projects across the country.

He urged residents of communities along the route to support the contractor and help ensure that the project is completed on schedule.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, said the road was originally conceived during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1965 to connect Ibadan and Ijebu communities.

He said the reconstruction and modernisation of the road under Tinubu would make the route more functional, reduce travel time and help minimise accidents.

The member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Joseph Adegbesan, said he had moved for the reconstruction because of the road’s importance to the socioeconomic development of Ogun and Oyo states.

He noted that the route provides vital access to markets, farms and educational institutions, and thanked the President for responding to calls for its reconstruction.

Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, said the project would provide relief to residents who had endured the poor condition of the road for years.

He assured that communities would cooperate with the Federal Government and contractor to support timely completion.

The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, recalled the difficult condition of the road and its impact on communities along the corridor.

He said the reconstruction would help revive commercial activities, improve connectivity and reduce accidents, while urging residents to cooperate with the contractor.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashid Ladoja, said the deteriorated road had contributed to security challenges by leaving parts of the corridor vulnerable to criminal activities.

He expressed optimism that the reconstruction would help reduce incidents of banditry and kidnapping while strengthening the longstanding relationship between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

The road project was awarded on May 5, 2026, and construction commenced on July 11, 2026. The project is scheduled for completion by June 10, 2029.

Strait Of Hormuz Records 68 Incidents And 20 Deaths During Six Months Of War

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major flashpoint in the six-month conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, with dozens of incidents involving commercial vessels in the strategically important waterway.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has confirmed 68 incidents in the Gulf and surrounding waters, averaging one incident every 2.6 days.

The UN maritime agency reported that at least 20 seafarers and port workers were killed across the incidents, while 35 others were injured and one person remains missing.

Tankers accounted for about half of the incidents, while container ships represented 20 per cent and bulk carriers 15 per cent.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) classified 47 of the 68 incidents as attacks.

Liberia-flagged vessels were the most frequently affected, featuring in 13 incidents. Panama and Marshall Islands-flagged vessels followed, with 10 incidents each.

Iran-flagged vessels were involved in four of the reported incidents.

The frequency of incidents has varied throughout the different stages of the conflict.

From the start of the war in late February until an agreement establishing a framework for peace talks was reached in mid-June, incidents occurred roughly once every 2.3 days.

That period accounted for 16 of the reported deaths and 19 injuries. Incidents were recorded across the Gulf, both east and west of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as near the coasts of Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

As peace negotiations continued until around July 7, the frequency of incidents dropped significantly to approximately one every 4.6 days.

No seafarers or other maritime workers were reported killed, injured or missing during that period.

Four of the five incidents recorded at the time occurred near the Omani coast, around the narrowest section of the Strait. The vessels involved were reportedly using a route that had not been authorised by Iranian authorities.

Iran had previously warned vessels against using the alternative route, with Tehran seeking to retain control of the waterway after the conflict and potentially charge fees for passage.

Following the collapse of the peace talks, maritime incidents increased again, reaching an average of one every 2.8 days.

Four seafarers or maritime workers have been killed during this latest period, while 16 others were injured and one remains missing.

Iran has maintained control of the strategically important energy route since the conflict began. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz has become a key priority for the United States because of its importance to global oil and gas supplies.

However, Tehran has insisted that the waterway will remain closed until Washington lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports, removes oil sanctions and unfreezes Iranian assets held abroad.

Zambia’s Judiciary Grinds To A Halt As Election Challenge Deadline Approaches

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
-
0

Courts across Zambia, including the capital Lusaka, have been shut down and cordoned off just as the legal deadline nears for filing a petition against the country’s disputed presidential election result, a move already drawing sharp criticism from legal circles.

Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, who finished second with 38% of the vote to incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema’s 60%, has vowed to challenge the outcome in court over alleged irregularities. But with Monday marking the final day such a petition can be filed, the sudden closure of key judicial buildings including the High Court, the Supreme Court, and the Constitutional Court has raised serious questions about whether that legal avenue is being deliberately blocked.

The situation on the ground has grown increasingly tense. Lawyers attempting to access court premises have reportedly been turned away, with one describing being approached by armed men who ordered him to leave. According to local reports, judiciary staff were instructed not to report to work, citing vague “security reasons” with no further explanation offered.

Mundubile himself is currently in hiding, citing threats to his safety, and is said to be under the protection of an international human rights organization. His flight into hiding followed a violent and controversial period after the election, including the arrest of several opposition figures and the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security raid, an incident officials have characterized as an exchange of fire, but which rights groups are demanding be independently investigated.

The Law Association of Zambia has voiced alarm over the court closures, noting they directly threaten access to justice at the exact moment it matters most — within the narrow window allowed for challenging a presidential election result. The organization says no formal explanation has been given for either the closures or how long they might last.

Despite the turmoil surrounding the judiciary, preparations for Hichilema’s inauguration are moving forward as planned, with officials continuing site inspections ahead of the ceremony scheduled for September 1st at National Heroes Stadium.

International observers who monitored the election described voting day itself as largely peaceful, but flagged a number of troubling issues in the process including a heavy military presence at tallying centres, inconsistent record-keeping between digital and paper results, and limited media access ahead of the vote. The EU’s observer mission has since called for full transparency around the final outcome, noting that Zambia’s electoral commission never released a breakdown of results by individual polling station.

Players Turn On Infantino: “Enough is Enough”

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
-
0

A growing wave of current and former footballers has broken ranks with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, publicly demanding leadership change at world football’s governing body.

The revolt was sparked by Mikael Silvestre, the former Manchester United and France defender who serves on FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel. In a pointed statement posted to X and titled “Enough is Enough!”, Silvestre accused FIFA’s leadership of losing touch with the sport’s core values. The message quickly gained traction, with prominent figures including England’s Lucy Bronze, 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit, and former goalkeeper David James all lending their support online.

At the heart of the backlash is Infantino’s controversial push to sell stakes in major competitions — including the World Cup itself — to private investors. Silvestre’s statement framed the issue as a betrayal of trust, arguing that major decisions have repeatedly been made without consulting players or considering the fans who “sustain the sport.” The message didn’t hold back, declaring that “power has blurred the current leadership’s ability to distinguish between its own interests and what is best for football,” and calling for structural reform that gives both players and supporters real influence over how the game is governed.

The timing adds to mounting pressure already surrounding Infantino’s leadership. UEFA has floated the possibility of boycotting FIFA competitions altogether, and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has publicly suggested Infantino should either step down or brace for a genuine electoral challenge when the presidency comes up for a vote next March. Several national federations including those of England, Wales, and Scotland have already pulled their backing.

What makes Silvestre’s intervention particularly notable is that it comes from inside FIFA’s own structure, given his role on the Players’ Voice Panel, a body originally created to help the organization address racism in football.

Not everyone in the football world is siding against Infantino, however. Samuel Eto’o, the former Barcelona striker who now leads Cameroon’s football association, has defended the FIFA president, insisting he sees nothing wrong with his conduct. Speaking to CNN, Eto’o argued that Infantino’s reforms have specifically benefited African football expanding World Cup access for smaller nations and helping retain talent that might otherwise have been lost to other footballing powers. In his view, Infantino has been a genuine catalyst for growth across African federations, a contribution he believes deserves recognition rather than criticism.

Premier League Clubs Race Against The Clock As Transfer Deadline Looms

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
-
0

With just over a week left before the transfer window slams shut on September 1, Premier League clubs are scrambling to fix the gaps exposed during the season’s opening weekend. From title-chasing giants to relegation-fearing newcomers, nearly every club in the division has unfinished business.

Arsenal, fresh off strengthening their midfield, defence and wings, are still chasing a marquee forward with Julian Alvarez remaining a long-standing target despite a complicated path to a deal. Aston Villa face a different kind of urgency after a wave of departures: Ollie Watkins looks set to leave for Saudi Arabia, pushing the club to hunt for a replacement striker while also needing defensive cover following Ezri Konsa’s exit to Arsenal.

Elsewhere, the picture varies wildly by club. Bournemouth are fending off suitors for their prized young talents while closing in on a new goalkeeper. Brentford, by contrast, appear relaxed, having already built a deep squad though a left-back addition wouldn’t hurt. Brighton anticipate losing key attacking pieces and may need to reinvest in midfield and wide areas to sustain their European ambitions.

Chelsea’s situation is unusual: manager Xabi Alonso reportedly considers his squad complete, but the real challenge is trimming a bloated roster of nearly 40 players down to a workable size before deadline day. Crystal Palace, under new manager Pierre Sage, are hunting a senior centre-back after an early-season injury crisis, while Everton’s long-standing weakness at right-back remains unresolved more than a year on.

Manchester City could be among the busiest clubs left in the window, with several key departures, including Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Nico Gonzalez, forcing a reshuffle that may bring in three or four new faces. Manchester United, meanwhile, are finalizing a big midfield signing and now turn their attention to left-back reinforcements, with several European names under consideration.

Liverpool’s priority remains wide attacking reinforcements, though Sunday’s defensive lapses against Newcastle have renewed calls for a holding midfielder. Tottenham face a similar identity question up front, with doubts over whether their current strikers fit new manager Roberto de Zerbi’s high-tempo system.

Further down the table, promoted sides Sunderland, Hull City and Leeds United are each still shaping their squads for a top-flight survival fight — targeting wingers, forwards and defensive depth respectively, while Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town continue searching for the finishing touches to sides built largely from scratch this summer.

Whatever happens in the coming days, one thing is certain: for many Premier League clubs, the real business of the summer is only now reaching its final, frantic stretch.

President Samia and ADDI Chief Boost Africa’s Development Cooperation

By
Henry Williams
-
0

Tanzania’s President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, has called for stronger collaboration between African countries, the African diaspora and development institutions to advance the continent’s interests and shape Africa’s future.

President Samia made the call on Monday, August 24, 2026, when she received the President of the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI), Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao, at State House in Dar es Salaam.

The meeting focused on deepening cooperation between Tanzania, ADDI and Africans in the diaspora, with particular emphasis on youth development, leadership, investment, knowledge exchange and Africa’s role in the changing global political and economic order.

President Samia underscored the need to equip Africa’s young population with a deeper understanding of the continent’s history, its contemporary challenges and the opportunities available to influence its future.

She said young Africans must acquire the knowledge and civic awareness required to navigate an increasingly complex global environment while playing an active role in the development of their nations and the continent.

The Tanzanian leader also highlighted the importance of cultivating patriotism, responsible citizenship and leadership among young people, alongside encouraging the responsible use of information and greater participation in social and economic development.

The discussions further examined the strategic role of African women in raising future generations, strengthening communities, providing leadership and preserving the continent’s cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge.

Ambassador Chihombori-Quao, in turn, congratulated President Samia on her leadership and Tanzania’s ongoing development efforts.

She described closer collaboration between African nations and institutions working with the diaspora as an opportunity to unlock investment, facilitate knowledge transfer and promote a more positive and authentic global narrative about Africa.

President Samia commended Chihombori-Quao for her longstanding advocacy for African interests and her efforts to strengthen connections between Africans on the continent and people of African descent across the world.

The engagement comes amid growing calls for Africa to leverage its human capital, diaspora networks, indigenous knowledge and economic resources to strengthen its position in global affairs.

For Tanzania and ADDI, the discussions signal a shared interest in building stronger bridges between the continent and its global African family, while placing young people and African-led development at the centre of the continent’s future.

US Deepens Security Partnership With Nigeria, Trains Troops In Bauchi

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

The United States military has begun specialised training for Nigerian troops in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care and other military skills as both countries strengthen their security partnership.

The training is being conducted at an Operating Location (OL) in Bauchi State under a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation programme designed to improve military capabilities, operational readiness and long-term partner capacity.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) disclosed this in a report on Monday.

According to AFRICOM, the training covers areas including Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care, weapons familiarisation, camouflage techniques, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft systems.

The command said the training topics were selected from options presented by US personnel based on their expertise and the specific needs identified by their Nigerian counterparts.

Capt Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa and operations officer at OL Bauchi, said Nigerian commanders were given several options and selected the areas they considered most useful.

“We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them,” Feingold said.

AFRICOM said unmanned aircraft systems generated particular interest among Nigerian forces. Sgt Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, trained about 10 personnel from the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment.

The UAS training began with roughly 45 minutes of classroom instruction before moving to practical exercises involving the operation of the aircraft.

Murphy also taught the Nigerian personnel how to deploy the systems and use intelligence collected through them to support military operations.

“They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” Murphy said, adding that the Nigerian personnel indicated they wanted further training on the system.

Beyond developing technical and operational skills, AFRICOM said the joint exercises are intended to improve cooperation and interoperability between US and Nigerian military personnel.

Feingold said the engagement was especially valuable for strengthening relationships between personnel at the lower levels of both forces.

“It helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” he said.

The US and Nigerian personnel also take part in recreational activities such as basketball and volleyball when operational duties and weather conditions allow.

AFRICOM said the two countries are working on additional training opportunities at OL Bauchi as they continue identifying areas where their personnel can share expertise and strengthen their military capabilities.

The latest exercise comes weeks after AFRICOM disclosed in July that the United States had withdrawn most of the troops deployed to Nigeria for a specific counterterrorism operation. However, the US said it would continue its intelligence-sharing and broader security partnership with Nigeria.

Kremlin Threatens Ukraine Missile Plants Over UK Backing

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

The Kremlin has accused Britain of undermining efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine by providing Kyiv with information that could help it manufacture SCALP long-range missiles domestically, warning that facilities producing the weapons could be targeted.

The warning came on Monday as British Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Kyiv and pledged to maintain the United Kingdom’s military support for Ukraine.

The British government has said it would authorise defence company MBDA to provide information on UK-made components used in the Franco-British SCALP missile, potentially allowing Ukraine to produce the weapon locally.

Asked about the missile blueprints, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Britain of deliberately obstructing peace efforts.

“Britain is methodically and regularly throwing oil on the fire and methodically and regularly plotting schemes to prevent even the slightest progress in the peace process.”

Peskov said Russia was preparing to identify facilities involved in producing the missiles and other military equipment.

“Our armed forces are carrying out work accordingly, gathering the relevant intelligence to identify the production sites of such missiles and other military equipment, and taking measures to destroy these facilities,” Peskov said.

The SCALP is a long-range cruise missile capable of striking targets about 250 kilometres (155 miles) away.

France and Britain have supplied the weapon to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. However, Ukraine has not yet begun producing the missiles domestically.

Burnham travelled to Kyiv on Monday to attend Ukraine’s Independence Day commemorations, where he reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting the Ukrainian government.

“Despite Russia’s outrageous threats to my country, we will continue our support for Ukraine’s defence,” Burnham said in a speech delivered ahead of a meeting with Ukraine’s international supporters.

NRC Links Possible Wheel Defect To Warri-Itakpe Train Derailment, Rules Out Track Vandalism

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has said a “possible sudden development of a bogie or wheel defect” may have been the main factor behind the June 8, 2026 derailment of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service in Delta State.

The corporation also identified the “possible manner of brake application” as a factor that may have worsened the severity of the accident. However, it stressed that both possibilities remain working hypotheses pending the completion of a comprehensive investigation.

The NRC disclosed this in its preliminary report on the incident, which occurred as the train approached the Outer Home signal of the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station at kilometre 177, Owa-Oyibu, Agbor.

“Based on the internal investigation carried out by the NRC inquiry team, preliminary observations indicate the possible sudden development of a bogie/wheel defect while en route. This observation is being investigated further as a potential primary factor in the derailment,” the NRC said in the report signed by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, on Monday.

“A wheel defect of this nature may have generated abnormal wheel-rail interaction, excessive impact loading, and loss of running stability. The investigation also noted that the possible manner of brake application may have contributed to the severity of the outcome.”

The NRC said the train left Itakpe at noon with 482 people on board, including 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel.

Five coaches, one locomotive and a power car were affected by the derailment. Three coaches and the power car overturned, while the other derailed rolling stock remained upright.

The corporation said emergency response efforts began immediately and all passengers were evacuated within two hours.

“Tragically, the incident resulted in four confirmed fatalities, three adults and one child and 64 persons reported injured.”

According to the NRC, 28 passengers received treatment and were discharged from the Railway Hospital in Owa-Oyibu, while 36 others were taken to general hospitals in Owa-Oyibu, Owa-Alero and the Central Hospital Agbor.

“Most of those admitted were discharged within 72 hours. Three persons, including one NRC personnel who required surgical intervention, remain under specialist medical care, and two subsequently had surgical procedures carried out,” it said. “The initial report of five fatalities was subsequently corrected following verification with the Delta State Medical Team who handled all the deceased.”

The corporation said its preliminary investigation involved inspections of the accident site, collection of evidence, examination of operational records and technical assessments of the locomotive and rolling stock.

Investigators also interviewed witnesses, train crew members, operations and maintenance personnel as well as emergency responders. The track infrastructure, turnout arrangements and communication systems in the affected area were also examined.

The NRC said the investigation found no evidence of track vandalism, noting that the points at the scene remained intact.

“It is important to note that site examination by the inquiry team observed that the points were intact and that no evidence of track vandalism was found,” it noted.

The corporation said this finding differs from the Warri-Itakpe Train Service accidents recorded on November 1 and November 8, 2025, which it said were linked to track vandalism.

The NRC, however, emphasised that its internal inquiry does not constitute the final determination of the accident’s cause.

“These remain working hypotheses only. The definitive cause or causes of the accident will be determined through comprehensive analysis and will be set out in the final report,” said the NRC.

“In line with statutory requirements, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an independent investigation. The Nigerian Railway Corporation is fully cooperating with the NSIB investigation and will be guided by its findings and recommendations. The NSIB final report remains pending. The NSIB’s final report is still pending,” it added.

Based on its preliminary findings, the NRC recommended a series of safety measures, including comprehensive inspections and safety audits of railway rolling stock, tracks and infrastructure across all operational corridors before equipment is returned to service.

It also called for stronger maintenance and condition-monitoring systems, prompt replacement of defective components and adequate stocks of critical spare parts.

Other recommendations include a review of operational safety procedures, improved emergency preparedness and rescue capabilities, stronger staff training and competency assessments, and sustainable funding for railway modernisation.

The corporation also recommended improvements to its insurance and compensation framework to ensure adequate coverage for medical treatment, disability support and compensation for fatalities.

The NRC said the affected track had been fully recovered and restored, while the locomotives had also been retrieved and were undergoing reconditioning.

However, it stressed that train operations would only resume after a detailed safety audit of the track and equipment has been completed.

The corporation expressed regret over the incident and extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

It said its focus remains on improving railway safety, strengthening operational resilience and rebuilding public confidence in rail transportation.

Oyo Market Fire Destroys Hundreds Of Shops In Early Morning Blaze

By
Favour Enyosa
-
0

An early morning fire has destroyed several shops at a market in Oyo State, leaving traders counting their losses after the blaze swept through parts of the market.

The fire reportedly started around midnight on Monday and affected businesses operated by gold dealers, furniture sellers, second-hand clothing traders and other merchants.

A trader identified as Iya Alia said the destruction was extensive, claiming that nearly 300 shops may have been affected.

“This is devastating. This is huge. I don’t even know how to explain it. Close to 300 shops were destroyed,” another eyewitness said.

However, the Oyo State Fire Service said it was too early to determine the exact number of shops destroyed or the total value of goods lost.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms and State Chairman of Fire Services, Morof Akinwande, confirmed the incident, saying the fire started in the middle of the market following an explosion.

“Yes, it occurred. That number we cannot ascertain, but what is known is that some shops were destroyed and the fire incident started in the middle of the market with an explosion,” Akinwande said.

He explained that authorities had yet to determine whether the explosion was caused by gas or another source, noting that such an occurrence could contribute to the rapid spread of a fire.

According to Akinwande, firefighters successfully brought the blaze under control by about 1am.

He added that determining the number of shops destroyed and the value of goods lost would be part of the post-fire assessment.

“On the number of shops and inventory, that is too early because that’s post-fire outbreak investigation. So, I cannot be accurate about the number of shops that were destroyed. But shops were actually gone,” he said.

The latest incident has renewed concerns about the recurring cases of market fires in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State.

In 2024, more than 200 shops in the herbal section of Oranya Market were reportedly completely destroyed by fire.

The latest blaze also occurred just two days after another fire outbreak destroyed nine locked-up shops at the Nigerian Railway shopping complex along Aleshinloye Market in the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.

Goods, household items and other properties worth millions of naira were reportedly lost in that incident.

One of the affected traders, Busari Olayemi, estimated his losses at about N21 million. The destroyed items included window blinds, curtain fabrics, industrial sewing machines and other business equipment.

He also said fabrics belonging to customers and stored at the premises were destroyed in the fire.

Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage from the latest market fire, while the exact number of affected shops, value of losses and circumstances surrounding the explosion remain subject to further investigation.

1...505152...2,701Page 51 of 2,701