A fire outbreak on Tuesday devastated Ita Amodu Market, Old Yidi Road, Ilorin, Kwara State, destroying goods and property worth millions of naira.

The inferno, which originated from a lorry loaded with mattresses, spread rapidly, leaving traders and residents reeling from the aftermath.

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the fire began when the lorry collided with a high-tension wire, causing a spark that ignited the highly flammable mattresses.

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The flames engulfed the vehicle and spread to nearby buildings, affecting 47 rooms and 19 shops.

Speaking on the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, described the scene as catastrophic.

“The fire destroyed the lorry and spread to a nearby building containing 47 rooms and 19 shops,” he said.

Despite the intensity of the blaze, firefighters managed to prevent further damage. “Our swift efforts saved 12 shops and 31 rooms, but unfortunately, 7 shops and 16 rooms were affected,” Adekunle added.

The situation was further worsened by an explosion from a step-down transformer located near the market.

“The highly flammable nature of the mattresses contributed to the swift spread of the fire. Additionally, the explosion of a nearby step-down transformer intensified the situation,” Adekunle noted.

He also highlighted the collaborative efforts that helped contain the fire.

“We received valuable assistance from the Federal Fire Service and the police, who ensured the safety of our team in the face of hoodlums attempting to disrupt the operation. We are also grateful to media houses for their timely notifications and real-time updates,” he stated.

Traders affected by the fire are calling for improved fire safety measures and greater support to recover from their losses.

The House of Representatives has launched an inquiry into the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to retire over 1,000 staff, including top executives, as part of an alleged restructuring process.

The probe will also examine the N50 billion payoff scheme tied to the move.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Kama Nkemkama (LP-Ebonyi) during Tuesday’s plenary session.

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The motion, titled “Need to Investigate the Retirement of Over 1,000 Staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Associated N50 Billion Payoff Scheme,” was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.

A national media report on December 2 claimed the CBN was planning the mass retirement under the directive of its Governor.

The report suggested the payoff scheme was part of the restructuring process to compensate affected staff.

Presenting the motion, Nkemkama raised critical concerns about the plan.

He said, “The sudden mass retirement of over 1,000 staff, including directors and senior management, raises critical questions, including the criteria for selection, transparency, and adherence to due process in line with public service guidelines and labour laws.”

He added that the decision could lead to increased unemployment and public dissatisfaction.

“Such a significant decision has socio-economic implications for the affected individuals, their dependants, and the broader economy,” he said.

The lawmaker also criticized the N50 billion payoff scheme, warning that it might lack proper oversight.

“The reported payoff scheme amounting to N50 billion might lack sufficient accountability and oversight mechanisms, posing risks of mismanagement and abuse of public funds in a sector vital to Nigeria’s financial stability,” he noted.

Following deliberations, the House set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the planned retirements.

The committee will evaluate the legality, selection criteria, and processes involved in the exercise. It will also examine the payoff scheme to ensure transparency and proper utilization of funds.

The lawmakers resolved to engage with the CBN leadership to assess the economic and institutional impact of the retirements on Nigeria’s financial sector.

They also urged the CBN to suspend the exercise and the payoff scheme until the committee concludes its investigation.

The House further called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to ensure that the rights of the affected staff are protected.

The committee has been given four weeks to present its findings for further legislative action.

Human rights lawyer Barrister Dele Farotimi has been arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), according to reports.

The arrest was revealed by Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, in a post on his X handle on Tuesday.

In the post, Sowore condemned the arrest and called for Farotimi’s immediate release, stressing that the police should not be used to resolve personal disputes.

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He wrote, “It is pertinent that the Nigerian police are notified that the institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores, and we, the citizens of Nigeria, would no longer tolerate such a situation.”

Sowore also urged the police at Zone 2 in Lagos to release Farotimi, stating, “Therefore, the police at Zone 2 in Lagos are advised to release Barrister Dele Farotimi immediately.”

According to a source, Farotimi was transferred from Zone 2 in Lagos to the Ekiti State Police Command, where his case is believed to have originated.

The reasons behind the arrest have not been fully disclosed, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.