by Samuel Adeyemi
A fire has destroyed three shops located opposite Mosadiolohun Mosque, along MFM Junction in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Thursday, affecting property but leaving no one injured.
Speaking to Royal FM, Mr. Adolphus Oshokpekha, owner of one of the shops, said the blaze started in the middle shop before spreading to the others.
He explained that firefighters arrived about 30 minutes after neighbors tried to contain the fire, adding that someone had to go to the Kwara State Fire Service office to summon help.
“We were called around past 5. I and my wife came here around 5:30 and still met the fire service doing their job. I think it’s the voltage. Recently in Tanke, the light has not been good. It’s very high, and that can damage a lot of things,” Mr. Oshokpekha said.
The middle shop, which sells electrical appliances, suffered the most damage. Its owner, who requested anonymity, said he discovered the fire after being contacted by a customer at home.
“There’s no traces here that maybe something got burnt or we left something plugged. It’s here that the fire damaged the most: almost all my goods,” he said.
Another affected shop, a small supermarket, lost items including provisions and personal care products, according to owner Ibrahim Ola Roshedat.
A neighbour who witnessed the incident said a bikeman first spotted the fire and ran to alert people nearby.
No injuries were reported, but all three shops sustained significant property damage, as roofs were destroyed and will require reconstruction.
Meanwhile, affected shop owners and residents have appealed to the Kwara State Government and relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the fire, improve emergency response time, and address persistent power fluctuations in the area.
