A major fire outbreak on Saturday devastated a four-bedroom apartment that had been converted into a tailoring workshop in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning at Benjamin, Alabama Junction in the Eleyele area of Ido Local Government, destroyed valuable equipment, fabrics, and other property estimated to be worth millions of naira.
According to reports, the inferno broke out around 4:15 a.m. when most residents in the neighborhood were still asleep. Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly through the apartment, fueled by sewing machines, rolls of fabric, and other highly flammable materials inside the workshop. By the time neighbors noticed the flames and raised the alarm, much of the property had already been engulfed.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, said operatives of the fire agency were immediately deployed to the location after a distress call was received. “The fire emergency was reported at exactly 4:15 a.m. on Saturday, 20th September, 2025. Once the address was verified, our team, led by ACFS Bamidele Samsudeen, promptly mobilised to the scene,” Akinwande explained.
He praised the swift intervention of firefighters, who battled the flames to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining residential buildings. Their quick response, according to him, averted what could have been an even larger tragedy in the densely populated area.
Despite their efforts, the tailoring shop and all its equipment were completely destroyed. Machines, fabrics, finished clothes, and other work materials belonging to apprentices and clients were reduced to ashes. Many of the affected tailors and apprentices were seen weeping as they counted their losses, lamenting that the disaster had wiped out their main source of livelihood.
While no lives were lost in the incident, the emotional and financial toll has been devastating for the victims. One of the tailors who spoke anonymously said he had just stocked up on expensive fabrics to meet customer demands ahead of the festive season. “Everything is gone, including orders that customers had already paid for. I don’t even know how to start again,” he said in tears.
Chairman Akinwande used the opportunity to stress the importance of early reporting and accurate information when fire emergencies occur. He noted that delays in calling the fire service often lead to greater losses that could otherwise be avoided. “We urge residents to always provide timely and correct details when reporting fire incidents. Quick action can make the difference between losing everything and saving lives and property,” he added.
The Oyo State Fire Service has repeatedly warned that the dry season increases the risk of fire outbreaks, particularly in residential and commercial areas where electrical appliances, fuel, or flammable materials are in constant use. The agency has also launched awareness campaigns to educate residents about fire safety practices, such as switching off electrical appliances at night, avoiding overloaded sockets, and ensuring proper storage of fuel and gas cylinders.
Saturday’s incident adds to a series of fire outbreaks reported in different parts of Ibadan this year, raising concerns about fire safety in the state. Residents and business owners are being urged to adopt preventive measures and, where possible, insure their property to cushion against sudden losses.
For the affected tailors at Benjamin, Alabama Junction, the road to recovery will be a long one. Many of them now face the challenge of rebuilding their businesses from scratch. Community members have begun discussions about offering support, while well-wishers on social media are calling for government and private intervention to assist the victims.
As investigations continue into the possible cause of the fire, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness. Fire safety experts stress that while emergency responders play a vital role, prevention remains the most effective strategy in protecting lives and property from devastating infernos.
