A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, destroying goods worth millions of naira and razing 17 shops at Moniya market in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The blaze, which reportedly began around 12:30 a.m., is suspected to have been caused by a power surge. Witnesses revealed that the fire inflicted extensive damage, consuming valuable merchandise and cash stored in the affected shops.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the Babaloja of Moniya Garage, Kolawole Balogun, and the Chairman of the Garage, Saliu Bello, recounted how a security guard alerted them to the inferno. Balogun said, “I rushed to the market as soon as I received the call. Goods worth millions and cash were lost, but the quick intervention of the fire service helped prevent further destruction.”
Several traders, including Yetunde Musa, Ajetunmobi Idowu, Olaide Badmus, Balogun Sulaimon, and Ajetunmobi Kolawole, expressed their anguish and appealed to the government for immediate assistance to help them recover from the tragic loss.
Further updates on the incident are expected.
