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By Muinat Usman
Kwara State Fire Service has called for stricter fire safety measures among traders dealing in highly combustible materials following a fire outbreak at Ita-Amodu, Niger Junction, Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at about 1:36 p.m., involving a storey building comprising three-bedroom flats and ten shops.
According to the Head of the Media Unit of the Service, Hassan Hakeem, five of the shops and the parapet of the building were affected by the inferno.
He explained that mattresses and sofa materials stored at the premises contributed to the intensity and rapid spread of the fire because of their highly combustible nature.
Hassan Hakeem said the first fire appliance arrived at the scene to find the fire fully developed and overwhelming the building, prompting the immediate deployment of a second appliance to reinforce the operation.
He said firefighters, supported by personnel of the Federal Fire Service, eventually brought the fire under control at about 2:05 p.m., preventing it from spreading to adjoining properties.
The incident has, however, raised concerns over fire safety practices among businesses that store and trade in combustible materials.
The Service urged operators of mattress, upholstery and related businesses to ensure proper spacing of combustible materials and provide appropriate fire extinguishers on their premises.
It also advised business owners to adopt preventive fire safety measures rather than wait for emergencies before taking action.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Chief Fire Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, commended personnel of both the state and Federal Fire Services for their courage, prompt response and teamwork in containing the fire.
He said the swift intervention of the firefighters helped prevent further destruction and possible spread of the inferno to neighbouring properties.
Editing: Abdullah Ahmed
