Koko Maxwella 
Firefighters at the scene of the fire incident at Owode Market in Offa, Kwara. (Photo: Federal Fire Service, Kwara State Command).
KWARA, Nigeria – A fire outbreak has destroyed six shops and goods worth about ₦15 million at Owode Market in Offa, Kwara State, officials say.
The blaze erupted Wednesday after bush burning spread into parts of the market located in the Isale Oja area of the town.
According to the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Kwara State Command, firefighters responded swiftly and prevented the fire from spreading further.
“The firefighting crew swiftly brought the fire under control using one medium jet of water,” the command says in a statement issued by spokesperson DSF Jimoh Modibbo Ibrahim.
The team from the Offa Fire Command, operating under State Controller ACF Mary Bakare, carried out extensive overhaul operations to prevent re-ignition.
Preliminary findings indicate that the blaze started from uncontrolled bush burning near the market.
Although no lives were lost, the fire destroyed six shops and a hall containing food items including rice, beans, soybeans, yams and potatoes, as well as construction materials.
Officials estimate the damaged property at ₦15 million, while goods and structures worth about ₦45 million were saved due to the quick response of firefighters.
The fire service urges residents to avoid uncontrolled bush burning and maintain electrical appliances properly to prevent future incidents.
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