APC chieftain and convener of the Allow Alao Movement, Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao, popularly known as Allow Alao, has expressed deep sympathy to traders and families affected by the fire outbreak at Bode Market, Ibadan.
The inferno, which gutted several shops and destroyed goods worth millions of naira, occurred in the late hours of Thursday, July 2, 2026, sending panic through the bustling commercial hub in the heart of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
In a statement on Friday, Alao described the incident as “heartbreaking and unfortunate,” noting that Bode Market is one of the oldest and busiest trading centers in Oyo State where thousands of families earn their livelihood.
“My heart goes out to the traders, shop owners, and families who lost their goods and means of livelihood in the Bode Market inferno. This is a painful loss, not just for those directly affected, but for the entire Ibadan and Oyo State economy,” Alao said.
Alao urged the Oyo State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the Ibadan South-West Local Government to move swiftly to provide relief materials, temporary trading spaces, and financial support to the victims.
“The government must act fast to cushion the effect of this disaster. Many of these traders invested their life savings into their shops. Losing everything overnight is devastating. We need emergency relief, soft loans, and a clear plan for the rebuilding of the affected sections,” he said.
He also called on well-meaning individuals, corporate organizations, and market associations to support the victims with donations of cash, building materials, and essential goods.
The APC chieftain used the opportunity to advocate for urgent safety reforms across markets in the state to prevent a recurrence.
“Bode Market, like many others, needs a proper disaster management plan,” Alao noted.
He proposed that the state government, in collaboration with market leaders and the fire service, should conduct a full safety audit of all major markets in Ibadan and across Oyo State.
“Preventing the next fire is just as important as responding to this one. We cannot continue to lose people’s livelihoods to preventable disasters,” he added.
Alao recalled that Bode Market has survived several challenges over the decades and has remained a backbone of commerce in Ibadan. He expressed confidence that traders in the market will bounce back with the right support.
“Bode Market is known for resilience and hard work. The traders are survivors. With government support, community solidarity, and proper planning, they will rebuild and come back stronger,” he said.
“I stand in full solidarity with the people of Bode Market at this difficult time. We share in your pain, and we will not abandon you. May Almighty Allah replenish what has been lost and grant everyone the strength to rebuild,” Alao prayed.
The cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed by the Oyo State Fire Service. However, preliminary reports point to an electrical fault as a possible trigger.
Traders at the market have begun counting their losses, even as cleanup and assessment of the damage continue.Tagged Allow Alao, Bode Market, NEMA, Oyo State