A devastating fire has ravaged a wholesales distribution center owned by Hon. Tallest Innocent, the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Oyo State on Community Relations (Igbo Community), leaving goods worth millions of Naira destroyed.
The blaze, which struck on Saturday evening, wreaked havoc at the facility located in the Alafara community, near NIHORT Iletuntun Shonshon Road, Ibadan.
The fire reportedly ignited around 7 p.m., though the cause of the incident remains undetermined.
Despite a swift response from the Oyo State Fire Service Command, which was alerted by residents and arrived as quickly as possible, the flames consumed the contents of the warehouse, including plastic drinks and beverages that had been stocked in anticipation of the festive season.
Hon. Tallest expressed deep sorrow over the extensive loss while commending the fire service for their prompt intervention.
“I received a distress call from neighbors and passersby informing me that my shop was on fire. I immediately contacted the state fire service.
“Though the fire station is somewhat distant from here, they arrived and worked tirelessly to contain the flames and prevent further damage.”
“This warehouse is a major distribution point for beverage drinks, especially during this Christmas season.
“I had just stocked it with goods worth millions of Naira. Unfortunately, nothing could be salvaged—not even a pin. Everything is completely destroyed,” he said.
Speaking further, he explained that eyewitnesses and passersby who tried to combat the inferno before the arrival of the fire service described their efforts as a battle against overwhelming odds.