Oyo APC governorship candidate gives N25m to market fire victims

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli, donated N25 million to traders affected by a fire at the popular Bode market in Ibadan South West Local Government Area. He made the donation on Friday during a visit to the market to show support for the victims.

Alli met with traders led by the Babaloja, Salau Oloya, and the Iyaloja, Sikira Alaja, who welcomed him. He expressed his sympathy to the victims who lost their goods in the fire incident.

While comforting the traders, the APC candidate promised that the party would always stand with the people, especially during tough times. He said, "People-oriented governance requires prompt response, empathy and tangible support for citizens in moments of crisis. The donation of N25 million to the affected traders is to show our commitment to the people’s welfare."

Earlier, Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, donated N2.5 million to help the shop owners affected by the fire. Alli, who is currently representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly under APC, added, "APC remains committed to restoring hope to the people of Oyo through responsible leadership and strategic interventions aimed at improving livelihoods."

The state APC Women Leader, Adekemi Opatunde, also contributed N5 million and 15,000 nose masks to support the affected traders and improve safety in the market. Traders, especially women, praised her for the timely and thoughtful gesture during this difficult time for many families.

Reports indicate that the fire destroyed many shops and goods worth millions of naira, particularly in the herbal section of the market. An eyewitness, who identified herself as Serifat, said, "The blaze caused extensive damage, leaving many traders counting their losses. We have not known the cause of this fire incident."

Bode market is one of the largest markets in Ibadan and is known as a major trading hub for herbs, animal skins, and other traditional products. It attracts traders from the South-West and other parts of Nigeria.

It is important to note that a similar fire incident occurred in September 2024, which burned down over 40 shops in the herbal section of the Oranyan market in Ibadan North East Local Government Area. Thankfully, there were no casualties, but it resulted in significant property damage and loss of herbs.

Some of the victims, including Fatimoh Adebimpe, the market youth leader, Kafaya Lucky, and Kehinde Moronfade, expressed their concerns over the unknown cause of the fire. Adebimpe, who has been in the market since 1979, shared, "We normally resume here around 7.00 am and close by 7.00 pm as well. Whenever they ring the bell or you hear the sound of the bell in the evening, you must take your leave."

She continued, "So, some of us were already at our different homes when those living close to the market started calling us around 10.00 pm that the market was on fire."