At least 12 shops were destroyed in a late-night fire that broke out on Thursday at the Mayegun Cement Store Market, Araromi, near Agodi-Gate in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The blaze, which started around 10:55 PM, raged for over three hours before it was brought under control by the Oyo State Fire Service.

Eyewitnesses said the fire likely resulted from an electrical surge near flammable materials.

Confirming the incident, the General Manager of the state’s fire service, Yemi Akinyinka, said the agency received a distress call at 11:02 PM and responded swiftly.

“Despite the destruction of 12 shops, we were able to save property worth billions from being consumed,” Akinyinka stated. The fire team concluded their operation at 3:18 AM.