Fire Guts Section of Oba Market in Benin, Authorities Blame Faulty Solar Panel
story written by daniel octotber 10,2025
A late-night fire on Wednesday destroyed a section of the Oba Market in Benin City, Edo State, even as reconstruction work at the popular trading hub continues.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, attributed the outbreak to a malfunctioning solar panel installed within the market premises.
Eyewitnesses said they noticed thick smoke rising from an area under renovation and quickly mobilised alongside local vigilantes to help contain the fire. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Oba Market Division also led his men to the scene and immediately alerted the state fire service, which battled the flames for nearly three hours before bringing the situation under control.
After inspecting the affected site, Engr. Iduseri confirmed that only one shop was damaged, commending the swift intervention of firefighters, police officers, and security volunteers, which prevented the blaze from spreading to other parts of the market.
“Preliminary reports indicate that a solar panel triggered the fire. We have decided to suspend further installation of solar panels and will conduct a comprehensive inspection of all electrical connections in the market to forestall future occurrences,” he said.
He assured affected traders of government support to help them resume business, noting that no lives were lost and property damage was minimal.
“The Oredo Local Government was fully on ground to prevent looting and maintain order during the incident,” Iduseri added.
This marks the second fire incident at the Oba Market in the past five years, prompting renewed calls for stricter safety measures in public markets across Edo State.
