Power Surge Destroys 24 Shops In Ilorin’s Mandate Market As Fire Razes Traders’ Goods

Ilorin, Kwara State- A devastating fire outbreak on Tuesday morning gutted 24 shops at the popular Mandate Market in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, destroying goods and properties worth millions of naira.

The incident, which occurred at about 04:44 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, affected a section of the market housing over 200 shops.

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the inferno was triggered by a power surge from a shop where phone accessories were sold alongside a phone charging business before spreading to adjoining shops stocked with foodstuffs and other commodities.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the service, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the agency disclosed that the extent of destruction was worsened because the distress call was made late after the fire had already spread across several shops.

“The magnitude of destruction was largely intensified due to the late call made to the Fire Service, as the fire had already spread significantly before firefighters arrived at the scene.”

Despite the challenge, firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevent it from engulfing the entire market.

“Nevertheless, the gallant firefighters of the Kwara State Fire Service displayed exceptional courage and professionalism in combating the inferno and successfully averted further destruction across the market,” he added.

Traders and market leaders reportedly commended the firefighters for their swift response and efforts in salvaging parts of the market from total destruction.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, later visited the scene around 10:00 a.m. to sympathise with affected traders and assess the level of damage caused by the incident.

During the visit, he met with male and female leaders of the market associations and assured them of the agency’s continued support.

He also urged traders and market operators to adopt proper fire safety measures, including the installation of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire alarms, and electrical protection devices to reduce the risk of future incidents.

Muhammed further reminded traders about the annual fire safety sensitisation programmes organised by the service across markets in Kwara State, urging them to participate actively and implement safety recommendations.

The Kwara State Fire Service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while advocating proactive fire prevention measures across the state.