Merchants operating at the renowned Bode Traditional Herbs and Other Products Market, also called Iso Alagbo, in the Ibadan South-West region of Oyo State, are facing massive losses after a major fire broke out early Friday. The blaze incinerated large quantities of medicinal herbs and expensive inventory, with total damages estimated to reach millions of naira.
Reports indicate the fire began in a single shop before quickly jumping to neighboring stalls. While the full extent of the damage remains unknown, traders remain in shock. Theories regarding the cause are mixed, with some pointing toward a possible power surge.
A trader named Mama Kaila noted that such incidents are rare in the area. She praised the Oyo State Fire Service for arriving quickly and expressed relief that nobody was harmed. Adebimpe, the market youth leader, stated that he and others were alerted to the emergency around 10:00 p.m. by residents living near the facility, long after the standard closing time.
