Illegal Structures Obstruct Emergency Response, Oyo Fire Service Warns Market Builders
The Federal Fire Service in Oyo State has cautioned market authorities and traders against erecting illegal structures in marketplaces, warning that the growing trend is hampering firefighters’ ability to respond swiftly during emergencies.
The Zonal Commander for Oyo and Osun States, Olojo Ayodeji, raised the alarm on Monday in Ibadan while launching the 2025 National Fire Safety Week themed “Building the Culture of Fire Safety Across Nigeria: Overcoming the ‘Not My Portion’ Mentality.”
Ayodeji explained that fire disasters in markets often escalate due to clusters of highly combustible materials and the obstruction caused by makeshift shops.
“These illegal structures block emergency access routes,” he said. “If markets adhere to proper layout plans and basic safety measures, it will significantly improve response times during fire outbreaks.”
He noted that the annual Fire Safety Week typically coincides with the dry season, a period associated with increased fire incidents.
As part of the campaign, officers will visit markets, schools, offices and other public spaces to raise awareness on fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
Delivering a lecture at the event, Superintendent of Fire Oke Ayodeji attributed 80 per cent of fire outbreaks in Nigeria to negligence. He urged citizens to abandon the complacent “not my portion” mindset and adopt proactive safety habits.
“Fire can happen anywhere and at any time. Nigerians must discard negligent behaviours and embrace safety procedures,” he said.
In his remarks, the Controller of the Federal Fire Service in Oyo State, Adeyemo Ariyo, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained public sensitisation to reduce fire incidents across the state.
The programme drew participants from several organisations, including the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
