Fire outbreaks are becoming commonplace across Nigeria. We only just saw reports of a part of the Finance Ministry’s building razing. It even raised eyebrows. However, the Ministry has since cleared all doubts.

The severity of these fire outbreaks are against the background of an ill-equipped fire service infrastructure in the country. There have been several debates on how these outbreaks always wreck more havoc than they should, and we all know that this should not be a discussion in Nigeria right now.

If you went back memory lane, you will realise that there’s hardly any state of the federation that has not had an experience with fire. From Kano to Lagos, Anambra, Edo, Abuja, Enugu, the story is the same – large fires razing through markets and public buildings, destroying properties worth millions; people inclusive. a historical timeline will only break your heart.

Today, in Ibadan, we experienced another one, causing a commotion at Peley Water area of Dugbe, the commercial hub of Ibadan, on Wednesday as several shops were gutted by fire. And you will think the lockdown would have prevented this, but even while it was happening, traders and residents led themselves towards the popular market.

Wares, including clothing materials, electrical and electronic appliances, mattresses and eyeglasses were lost to the inferno.

The cause of the fire is yet unknown. But someone said it was caused by a welder…

According to BCOS news 10 shops and 4 warehouses were lost to the fire outbreak at Dugbe Market.

An eye witness said a welder was invited to weld at the area, which his fire resulted to the fire outbreak around 2:00pm.

May God have mercy ??

— Remi_Nana ? ? (@Remi_AFR) April 15, 2020

And reports of the inferno:

Happening right now at Dugbe Alawo ?‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/BSB00vgp8l

— Rere Ayodele (@rereayodele) April 15, 2020

When I saw this video about dugbe market I was like "Dear God plz console the owners of these shops"

Oba Adebimpe, Dugbe, Ibadan. pic.twitter.com/ENy3nN79KF

— Mayowa Olagunju ❁ (@iam_doctormayor) April 15, 2020

This Dugbe inferno is a tragedy ?pic.twitter.com/XezxZLCeLV

— ADEMOLA (@RajiDraj) April 15, 2020

When I think of Dugbe I remember my undergrad days of lusting after Thomas Pink shirts. I had several plugs in that market. To see sections of it in flames breaks my heart. May God comfort residents and traders who may have lost loved ones or property.

— ғᴜɴsᴏ (@folorunsso) April 15, 2020

Let me borrow a quote from @MBuhari address to Nigerians two days ago “The irresponsibility of a few can lead to the death of many.”
My thoughts and prayers are with those affected today at Dugbe during the fire outbreak.#DugbeFireOutbreak pic.twitter.com/mvlq6EYHlk

— Onaolapo Umar Farouq (@Olayimikafarms) April 15, 2020

This dugbe ibadan inferno was massive, hope no life was lost. …

2020 has been crazy so far, God help us all. pic.twitter.com/xfqZjuBvlZ

— OLU The Great? (@Niyi_Olaolu) April 15, 2020

Dugbe Market gutted fire again?

2020 has done whole lot ?
We know it's not all naming ceremony and weddings you celebrate lavishly or shout about, at least be soft to say you don't want a #DettyDecember.
This is people means of livelihoods.
Why dealing with us this way? pic.twitter.com/ViK7qWpGEE

— Alive Azeez (@AliveAzeez) April 15, 2020

There is a report that the fire has been put off.

Just in:
The popular Dugbe Alawo Market in Ibadan fire outbreak has now been put off. pic.twitter.com/JeyejZe1KU

— Femi Adesina – BPFM (@BPFM_1) April 15, 2020

And then, the reactions’:

How a millionaire become penniless within 30mins. God please be with all affected people in Dugbe fire outbreak

— Abdurrahman AA. (@Iam_abdurrahman) April 15, 2020

My heart goes out to this affected by the Dugbe fire outbreak.

I can imagine their pain ?
The pain of being out of business due to the lock down and loosing everything to fire?

— MP (@madamproff) April 15, 2020

To those who lost one thing or the other at the inferno at Dugbe market, Ibadan I pray that God will bless you beyond your imaginations that you won't have to remember your losses

— Olusegun, Aduragbemi (@dhuracom) April 15, 2020

I can’t even watch that Dugbe fire video
Breaks my heart,people’s goods ?

— Temitope ??‍? (@Chef_Teeee) April 15, 2020

We thank God that we hardly experience natural disasters like wildfires in the West, but we are also worried that our won disasters are man-made. And, when they happen…

These fire outbreaks that have taken place in several markets across the country are usually preventable if only there were preventive measures put in place in these places.

For the Dugbe market, if the welder has actually caused the fire, it means he did not take into cognizance that little sparks from his welding machines could spark an outbreak. He went about his business and again, millions have been lost, No reports yet of anyone dead, and we all wish that did not happen.

The authorities and traders should be extra vigilant to guard against fire outbreaks. Fire prevention should be a priority while measures should be put in place to stem the ugly tide.

Traders should be sensitized on the need to be fire conscious, including observance of no smoking. Cooking by restaurants and other activities that might light up a place.