A late-night fire has razed several shops at the popular Saki Garage in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, throwing residents and traders into confusion.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the inferno started in the early hours of Saturday, quickly spreading through rows of makeshift shops and spare parts stores before firefighters arrived. The garage, which serves as a major hub for transport and trade, was engulfed in thick smoke as traders and passersby scrambled to salvage what they could.
One trader, who spoke while in tears, said years of savings and investment had been lost in the flames. “I don’t even know where to start from. Everything I worked for is gone,” he lamented.
Although the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, residents suspect it may have been triggered by an electrical fault. Emergency responders were able to contain the blaze after hours of struggle, but not before significant damage was done.
Oyo State Fire Service officials confirmed the incident, noting that investigations are ongoing. No casualties have been reported at the time of filing this story, but the financial losses are said to run into millions of naira.
Local authorities have urged traders to remain calm while efforts are being made to assess the extent of the destruction and provide possible relief measures.
