Residents and business owners around the Old Garage area of Osogbo, Osun State, were thrown into panic on Sunday after a major fire outbreak engulfed a commercial building used for storing plastic containers, raising fears that the inferno could spread to nearby structures and a filling station located within the vicinity.
The fire, which was reported at about 2 p.m., drew emergency responders and hundreds of onlookers as thick smoke billowed into the sky from one of the area’s busiest commercial districts.
As of about 7:10 p.m., firefighters were still battling to contain the blaze, with emergency crews working to stop the flames from reaching adjoining buildings.
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The affected store is situated close to a filling station and the Dugbe Divisional Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, a development that heightened tension among residents and traders who feared a possible escalation.
Eyewitnesses said smoke was first noticed coming from the storey building before the flame intensified.
A trader in the area, Modupe Olatoye, said swift action by residents helped alert emergency authorities.
“We observed that smoke was coming from the building around 2 p.m. and immediately contacted the Oke Fia Fire Station.
“The firemen responded quickly and have been battling to put it out since then. The store is located right in the middle of several buildings and close to a filling station.
“The fear that the flame may spread is causing panic, but the firefighters are doing everything possible to stop it from extending beyond the affected building,” she said.
Officials of the Osun State Fire Service confirmed that extensive resources had been deployed to the scene.
According to the agency’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Adekunle, five fire trucks were mobilised as emergency personnel intensified efforts to prevent further damage.
“We are still battling to prevent escalation. About five fire trucks have been deployed. The cause of the flame is not known yet.
“The incident was reported to us around 2 p.m. Investigation will be conducted after we have successfully put out the flame,” Adekunle said.
No casualties had been officially reported as of the time of filing this report. However, the extent of damage to the building and goods stored inside remained unclear.
The incident adds to a growing list of fire outbreaks recorded across Osun State in recent years, particularly in markets and commercial facilities where highly combustible materials are stored.
In January 2025, a devastating flame swept through Akinola Market in Ipetumodu, destroying goods worth millions of naira and leaving traders counting huge losses. The cause of that incident was also not immediately established.
Authorities are expected to commence a full investigation once the fire is completely extinguished, with findings likely to determine the source of the outbreak and assess the scale of losses incurred.
