A midnight fire has gutted at least 20 shops at the NIPOST Shopping Complex in the Dugbe area of Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying goods estimated to be worth over ₦100 million.

The incident reportedly occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday after a Lexus sedan, driven by a suspected drunk driver, crashed into a shop along the Dugbe–Iyaganku axis. The impact allegedly triggered a fire that quickly spread to nearby shops within the complex.

Eyewitnesses said the blaze escalated rapidly due to the nature of goods stored in the affected shops, making it difficult for early intervention efforts to contain the flames before significant damage was done.

Emergency responders and security personnel were later deployed to the scene to prevent further spread of the fire and restore order in the area.

Although no fatalities have been confirmed, traders were seen lamenting their losses as several businesses were completely razed in the inferno.

Authorities are expected to carry out a full assessment of the incident to determine the extent of damage and investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and subsequent fire.

The tragedy has left shop owners and residents in shock, as many described the destruction as a devastating blow to commercial activities in the busy Dugbe business district. (The Guardian)

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