The Kwara State Fire Service has warned against further encroachment, occupation and conversion of its fire station at Mandate Market, Adewole, Ilorin, saying the development could undermine emergency response and put lives and property at risk. (Punch Newspapers)

The warning followed an inspection of the facility during which the agency observed that portions of the premises had been taken over by unauthorised structures and occupants.

The Fire Service also disclosed that the station had previously been burgled, with some firefighting equipment, including its steel water reservoir tank, reportedly stolen.

According to the agency, the Mandate Market station serves not only the market but also surrounding communities and commercial areas including Adewole, Warrah, Oloje and Oko-Olowo.

The agency said the station's strategic location allows firefighters to respond quickly to emergencies, particularly during the early stages of a fire when rapid intervention can limit damage.

The warning comes months after a midnight fire at Mandate Market destroyed 24 shops. The Fire Service said one of the major challenges encountered during the incident was gaining close access to the affected area with firefighting equipment.

It explained that fire trucks require sufficient and unobstructed access routes to reach emergencies quickly, warning that shops and other structures blocking such routes could result in critical delays.

The agency urged individuals, groups and businesses involved in encroachment, unauthorised construction or obstruction of the station and its emergency routes to desist.

It also called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to address existing encroachments and ensure that emergency access routes remain clear.

The Fire Service acknowledged the importance of commercial activities and traders' livelihoods but stressed that economic activities must not compromise public safety.

It said preserving the Mandate Market station was essential to protecting traders, residents and businesses within its response area, adding that “the fire station must remain a fire station.”