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A devastating fire outbreak has destroyed at least 24 shops at the Mandate Ultra-Modern Market in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, leaving traders counting heavy losses. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday and affected sections of the market containing phone accessories, foodstuffs, and other valuable goods. 
According to the Kwara State Fire Service, firefighters received a distress call around 4:44 a.m. and quickly mobilised to the scene to contain the blaze. The agency’s spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle, praised firefighters for preventing the inferno from spreading to other parts of the market, which houses more than 200 shops. 
Preliminary investigations by the fire service indicated that the fire was caused by a power surge. Authorities said the blaze reportedly started in a shop where phone accessories were sold and phones were charged before spreading rapidly to nearby stores stocked with food items and other commodities. 
Although no deaths or injuries were reported, several traders reportedly lost goods worth millions of naira in the incident. The Kwara State Fire Service advised residents and business owners to adopt proper electrical safety measures, warning against overloading power outlets and leaving electrical appliances connected unattended. 
