A fire outbreak has destroyed six shops and goods valued at millions of naira at Owode Market in Offa, Kwara State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday after a bush burning reportedly spread into parts of the market located in the Isale Oja area of the town.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Federal Fire Service, Kwara State Command, DSF Jimoh Modibbo Ibrahim.
According to the statement, firefighters from the Offa Command of the agency swiftly responded to the emergency and were able to bring the situation under control.
“The Federal Fire Service, Kwara State Command, under the leadership of the State Controller, ACF Mary Bakare, through its Offa Command and under the directive of the Area Commander, SF Ali Sikiru, on March 11, 2026, promptly responded to a fire outbreak at Owode Market, Isale Oja, Offa, Kwara State,” the statement said.
It explained that upon arrival at the scene, the firefighting team quickly commenced operations to contain the blaze.
“The firefighting crew, led by ASF II Adedeji, swiftly brought the fire under control using one medium jet of water deployed from FFS 293. Comprehensive overhauling operations were subsequently carried out to prevent any possible re-ignition,” the statement added.
Preliminary investigations by the fire service indicated that the fire started from a nearby bush burning before spreading to adjoining shops within the market.
Although no casualties were recorded, the blaze destroyed six shops and a large hall that contained several food items and materials.
Items lost to the fire included bags of rice, beans, soybeans, yams, potatoes, as well as wheelbarrows and wooden planks used for building purposes.
The fire service estimated that properties worth about ₦15 million were destroyed in the incident. However, goods and structures valued at approximately ₦45 million were saved due to the prompt response and intervention of firefighters.
Authorities have urged residents and traders to avoid uncontrolled bush burning, particularly near markets and residential areas, in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.