Millions Lost in Mayegun Cement Store Market Inferno
At least 12 shops were destroyed in a fire outbreak that occurred late Thursday night, April 10, 2025, at the Mayegun Cement Store Market, located at Block A, No. 64, Araromi, Agodi-Gate, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The fire, which began around 10:55 p.m., raged for over three hours before firefighters succeeded in putting it out in the early hours of Friday morning.
Eyewitnesses said the inferno erupted suddenly and quickly engulfed several shops, primarily those dealing in cement and other construction materials. One trader, who identified himself simply as Rafiu, said, “We were at home when we got a call that the market was on fire. By the time we arrived, flames had already taken over the entire block.”
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical power surge that occurred near flammable goods stored in one of the affected shops.
According to the Oyo State Fire Service, the fire spread rapidly due to the nature of the materials involved, including cement packaging, plastic containers, and other highly combustible items.
Confirming the incident in a statement to journalists on Friday, the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr. Yemi Akinyinka, said the agency received a distress call at exactly 11:02 p.m. from a concerned citizen identified as Mr. Young.
“The agency’s control room received a telephone call at 23:02 hours on Thursday, April 10, 2025, reporting a fire incident at the Mayegun Cement Store Market. Our men, led by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Jimoh, were immediately dispatched to the scene.
“Upon arrival, they met multiple lock-up shops already ablaze. The team swiftly swung into action, successfully containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to adjacent blocks of shops. A total of 12 shops were affected, but the quick intervention saved property valued in billions of naira,” he added.
The firefighting operation was concluded by 3:18 a.m., and no casualties were reported as of the time of filing this report.
However, traders have lamented the heavy losses, with many of them calling on the state government and emergency management agencies for relief support.
An on-site inspection revealed charred remains of merchandise, broken steel doors, and collapsed roofing sheets signs of the intense heat that consumed the affected stores.
Market leaders are currently compiling a list of affected traders and losses incurred.
Thursday night’s incident adds to a growing list of fire disasters in Ibadan’s commercial hubs. Notably, markets like Dugbe, Oja Agbe, Aleshinloye, and Araromi Auto Spare Parts have suffered similar fates in recent months.
Many of these incidents have been attributed to poor electrical infrastructure, lack of fire safety measures, and congestion in market layouts.
Traders and residents are now urging the Oyo State Government to take proactive steps in installing fire extinguishers, enforcing building codes, and upgrading electrical systems across markets in the city.
As investigations continue into the immediate cause of Thursday’s fire, authorities have promised to improve surveillance and emergency response coordination to prevent future occurrences.
