A fire outbreak has destroyed goods estimated to be worth millions of naira at Arakale Market in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The blaze, which reportedly broke out in the early hours of Saturday, affected a section of the market situated close to the Aralepo Palace.
Witnesses said the fire spread quickly to nearby stalls, creating tension among traders before emergency responders arrived.
The Ondo State Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Mr Somi Ajayi, confirmed the incident and said his team acted promptly after being alerted.
According to him, firefighters reached the scene shortly after the distress call and succeeded in bringing the situation under control.
Ajayi noted that three shops were impacted by the incident, adding that one of them was only partly damaged due to the timely response of the fire service.
He estimated that items lost in the inferno were worth millions of naira and advised traders to adopt preventive safety measures.
Meanwhile, affected shop owners have called on the Ondo State Government to assist them in recovering from the losses and rebuilding their livelihoods.
