Several millions of naira were lost on Monday morning when a fire gutted many parts of the Bodija International Market in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State.
The inferno raged massively as traders wailed over their loss.
The cause of the incident, which was described as a mystery by some traders, remains unknown as of the time of this report.
The inferno, according to an eyewitness account, started around 4.30 am on Monday, as heavy smoke which later snowballed into a thick flame was noticed around Ori-Ile end of the market.
The incident, according to reports, led to pandemonium in the market, as other traders who heard the news made their way to the markets to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the incident to loot their shops
It was gathered that the goods in the affected shops were completely razed before officers and men of the Oyo State fire service could render any help.
Some of the traders commended the firefighters for their timely response, stressing that, their efforts prevented the inferno from spreading to other parts of the market.
Victims of the incident lamented their losses and called for support from the state government and other well-meaning Nigerians.
As of the time of this report, firefighters have left the scene while some scavengers were seen around the affected shops.
