A devastating fire outbreak on Saturday, April 5, 2025, led to the destruction of herbal products worth millions of naira in Oyo Town, Oyo State. The incident, which occurred at a storage facility located at Olanlokun Junction, Obabi Street in the Old Cele area of the town, sent shockwaves through the community, particularly among the owners and producers of traditional herbal goods who relied on the facility for safekeeping and distribution of their products.
According to reports gathered by DAILY POST, the fire started around 10:00 a.m. and raged for over two hours before it was brought under control by emergency responders. By then, however, a significant portion of the stored herbal inventory had already been lost to the inferno.
Scene of the Incident
Eyewitnesses at the scene described how the flames rapidly engulfed the building used primarily for storing various types of local herbs and traditional medicine products. Though no lives were lost, the financial loss has been estimated in the millions, as the structure held both raw and packaged herbal goods prepared for distribution within and outside the state.
The fire reportedly broke out unexpectedly and quickly escalated due to the flammable nature of the herbs, which had been accumulated over a number of years. The structure, which also forms part of a residential property, narrowly escaped total destruction thanks to the swift response of the Oyo State Fire Service.
Fire Service Response
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr. Yemi Akinyinka, released a statement on Sunday, April 6, 2025, detailing the efforts made by firefighters to combat the blaze.
“A fire incident was reported at exactly 10:39 a.m. on Saturday, April 5th, 2025,” Akinyinka stated.
“A crew of firemen led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent Oyedeji P.M. was promptly deployed to the scene and arrived by 10:45 a.m. Upon arrival, the team met heaps of local herbs within the premises of a residential building, all engulfed in flames.”
Akinyinka noted that the rapid response was critical in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to the main residential structures and adjacent buildings.
“We swiftly commenced firefighting operations and were able to curtail the blaze from spreading to the main building and nearby properties. Despite the intensity of the fire, our officers were able to save property worth several millions of naira from being lost.”
He added that the fire was particularly challenging to control due to the sheer volume of herbs that had accumulated over the years. The firefighting operation extended beyond three hours before the fire was fully extinguished.
“It took the fire service over three hours to completely extinguish the fire because it involved a large quantity of dry herbs that had been stored for a very long time,” he said.
Massive Loss for Herbal Industry Players
The incident has been described as a significant blow to local herbal practitioners and business owners who stored their products at the facility. Several small and medium-scale herbal product manufacturers who operated from various parts of the state relied on the facility for storage, processing, and packaging of their goods.
One of the victims, Mr. Sola Ajani, a traditional herbal product distributor, lamented the extent of the damage, stating that the incident had wiped out years of investment and labor.
“This is more than heartbreaking. I had over four million naira worth of products stored in that facility. We use that place not just for storage, but also for sorting and packaging. Everything is gone now,” he said, struggling to hold back tears.
Ajani called on the state government to provide support for affected individuals and help them recover from the losses, noting that traditional medicine remains an important part of healthcare and livelihood for many Nigerians.
Community Shock and Safety Concerns
The fire incident has sparked concerns among residents and business owners in the community regarding fire safety and emergency preparedness. Many pointed out that buildings being used for commercial purposes, especially those storing highly flammable materials, should be subject to more rigorous fire safety regulations and inspections.
Mrs. Kehinde Olabisi, a resident of the area, emphasized the need for increased public awareness on fire safety and the importance of having fire extinguishers and safety protocols in place.
“We thank God it didn’t spread to other homes, but this should be a wake-up call. We can’t be too careful with fire. Every building used for storage should be inspected regularly. This incident could have been far worse.”
Others in the area echoed her sentiment, urging local authorities to enforce safety standards and provide fire education, especially in mixed-use residential and commercial zones.
Government Reaction Awaited
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the Oyo State Government regarding the fire incident. However, sources within the state’s emergency management framework confirmed that damage assessments are ongoing and that support measures for affected individuals may soon be announced.
Stakeholders in the herbal and alternative medicine industry are also reportedly planning to engage with the state government to seek relief and propose ways to prevent future occurrences.
Looking Ahead
The destruction of herbal products worth millions of naira is not only a financial tragedy for the affected owners but also a significant setback for the traditional medicine sector in Oyo State. As the community begins to pick up the pieces, calls for improved fire safety, regulation of storage facilities, and government intervention are growing louder.
For many, the fire serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of investments and the critical need for preventive measures. While the quick action of the Oyo State Fire Service helped prevent greater disaster, residents and business owners alike are urging for long-term solutions to ensure such incidents are minimized, if not completely prevented, in the future.
