Several shops, stores, goods and other properties have been destroyed by a midnight fire that gutted a section of a popular market at Atakumosa Ilesa, Osun state.
Information gathered indicated that the fire started at the wee hours of Sunday.
It would be recalled that the Osun State Government, had commissioned the new market after the old one was destroyed in a similar fire outbreak some years back.
According to reports, officials of the Federal and Osun State Fire Services made efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the market.
It was also learnt that security operatives were on ground to prevent looting during efforts to salvage goods and prevent the fire from spreading to other shops located in the market.
Shop owners and sympathisers who thronged the market also made efforts to salvage some of their goods.
Although fire fighters present at the scene said the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.
However, according to an eyewitness, the fire has been brought under control.
Most affected were boutiques, food items and provision shops located in the market.
