Oluwatobi Adu 
IBADAN, Nigeria – Ibadan Fire Outbreak destroyed 16 lock-up shops at the NIPOST Shopping Complex in Dugbe after a late-night vehicle accident triggered an explosion and inferno that threatened nearby buildings.
Emergency officials confirmed that the fire erupted shortly before midnight on Saturday but was successfully contained before spreading to the main NIPOST facility and neighbouring properties.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency said firefighters responded immediately after receiving a distress call at exactly 11:37 p.m.
A coordinated operation involving personnel from the Oyo State Fire Services Agency and the Federal Fire Service helped bring the blaze under control.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from a road traffic accident involving a saloon car.
According to the agency, the vehicle crashed into a giant billboard near the Nigerian Railway Corporation premises, somersaulted and split into two sections.
The rear section reportedly rolled into the shopping complex where it exploded and ignited the fire.
Firefighters quickly launched containment measures to prevent the flames from engulfing additional structures.
Officials confirmed that although 16 shops were affected, several other shops and surrounding buildings were successfully protected.
“No casualty was recorded during the incident,” emergency authorities said.
The agency praised the professionalism of firefighters and emergency responders whose prompt intervention prevented what could have become a much larger disaster.
Authorities also commended officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Iyaganku Divisional Headquarters for providing security throughout the operation.
Business owners in the area have begun assessing losses as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The incident has renewed concerns about road safety and the potential risks posed by high-impact vehicle collisions in densely populated commercial districts.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
