Fire razes popular Bode market in Ibadan, destroys goods worth millions, as traders count losses 

An early morning fire razed parts of popular Bode Market in Ibadan, Oyo State destroying goods worth millions of naira.

Bode Market, which is one of the largest markets in Ibadan and major trading hub for herbs, animal skins and other traditional products, it was gathered that the fire spread from one section of the market to another destroying shops and valuables inside the affected buildings.

Although the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained, some of the traders said the inferno caused extensive damage hence leaving many of them counting their losses.

While firefighters were promptly deployed to the scene and eventually brought the fire under control preventing it from spreading further, few shop owners who rushed to the market after hearing about the incident were seen emotionally devastated as they watched their shops completely leveled to the ground by the fire.

But emergency responders, however, faced challenges accessing parts of the market due to its congested layout and closely packed structures, which hampered firefighting operations.

Residents and sympathisers were also seen gathering around the market while efforts were made to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings and shops.

As no casualty was reported, but the  incident has thrown a good number of the traders into hardship, as distraught market men and women lamented that their entire sources of livelihood were wiped out by the fire.

The affected traders were seen crying helplessly as they tried to salvage whatever remained from the wreckage of the inferno

Others managed to pick a few burnt items and remains from their destroyed shops as thick smoke covered parts of the market.

One of the devastated trader said “everything is gone. I don’t know where to start from again, my investment gone, government should please support us.

The affected traders however appealed to the Oyo State Government, relevant authorities, well meaning Nigerians for urgent support following the massive destruction caused by the inferno.

Meanwhile, donations have started pouring in for the affected traders with Sarafadeen Alli, the governorship candidate of the APC in Oyo State donating N25 million to traders affected by the incident at Bode Market, Ibadan.

While Bimbo Adekanmbi, governorship candidate of APM donated N2. 5 million when he visited the market.

The APC standard bearer made the announcement during a sympathy visit to the market, where he personally commiserated with victims and traders who suffered losses in the unfortunate incident.

The governorship candidate was received by traders at the market led by the Babaloja, Salau Oloya, and the Iyaloja, Sikira Alaja.

Speaking during the visit, Senator Alli assured the affected traders that the APC would always identify with the pains and aspirations of the people, especially during periods of hardship and distress.

The donation, which immediately sparked reactions across political circles in the state, was widely viewed as a bold intervention capable of easing the burden on victims struggling to rebuild their businesses and livelihoods.

Senator Alli stressed that leadership must go beyond rhetoric and political campaigns, insisting that people-oriented governance requires prompt response, empathy and tangible support for citizens in moments of crisis.

He said that the APC remained committed to restoring hope to the people of Oyo State through responsible leadership, responsive governance and strategic interventions aimed at improving livelihoods.

In another major show of solidarity, the Oyo APC State Women Leader, Adekemi Opatunde, donated ₦5 million and 15,000 nose masks to further support affected traders and enhance safety measures within the market environment.

Her intervention was applauded by traders, especially women, who described the gesture as timely, thoughtful and deeply encouraging at a difficult moment for many families.