A fire outbreak has damaged 12 shops at a shopping complex opposite Alkad Filling Station in the Mandate Market area of Ilorin, Kwara State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, September 5, with the Kwara State Fire Service saying firefighters arrived at about 1:14 a.m. after receiving a distress call. Two fire appliances were deployed, while personnel from the Federal Fire Service later joined the operation to contain the blaze.
The fire service said the complex had about 40 shops and was already engulfed when firefighters arrived. Despite the intensity of the fire, the joint operation prevented the flames from spreading to the remaining shops and adjoining properties. The agency attributed the extent of the damage largely to the late notification of the incident.
A preliminary assessment suggested that a power surge may have triggered the fire after electricity was restored, but officials said the exact cause had not been established and further investigation was required. The Chief Fire Officer, CFS Alabi Muhammed, urged residents and business owners to use qualified professionals for electrical installations and report fire incidents immediately.
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