The Kwara State Fire Service has warned against further encroachment, occupation and conversion of its fire station within Mandate Market, Adewole, Ilorin.
The Service said the development could undermine emergency response and put lives and property at risk.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Service’s spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle, on behalf of the Chief Fire Officer, Muhammed Alabi.
The Service issued the warning following an inspection of the station, where officials observed that parts of the premises had been taken over by unauthorised structures and occupants.
It also disclosed that the facility had previously been burgled, with some firefighting equipment, including the station’s steel water reservoir tank, reportedly stolen.
According to the Service, the Mandate Market station is strategically located to serve the market and surrounding areas, including Adewole, Warrah, Oloje and Oko-Olowo.
It said the location allows firefighters to respond quickly to emergencies, particularly during the critical early stages of a fire.
The Service recalled a midnight fire outbreak at Mandate Market months ago which destroyed 24 shops, saying one of the major challenges encountered during the incident was gaining close access to the affected area with the fire appliance.
It warned that shops, structures and other forms of encroachment blocking emergency routes could delay firefighters and allow fires to spread rapidly, particularly in markets where businesses are closely packed and combustible materials are stored.
The Service stressed that the fire station must remain dedicated to firefighting and emergency response operations.
It warned individuals, groups and entities against unauthorised construction, occupation, conversion or obstruction of the station and its emergency access routes.
The agency also called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to address existing encroachments and ensure that access routes remain clear and unobstructed.
While acknowledging the importance of commercial activities and traders’ livelihoods, the Fire Service maintained that economic activities must not compromise public safety.
It described a functional fire station within a major market as a protective shield for traders, residents and businesses, rather than an opportunity for additional commercial development.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and said it would continue to work with relevant authorities to safeguard critical firefighting infrastructure across Kwara State.
