A major fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in Igbesa, Ogun State, destroying part of a mattress factory and sparking panic among nearby residents and students.
Reports indicate the blaze was triggered by a gas explosion at a foam-producing company within the industrial park. The incident caused chaos around the Obanla axis, where several student hostels are located.
Videos obtained by reporters showed students fleeing their hostels as thick smoke billowed into the sky.
An eyewitness, Kuwhede Vincent, a student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), described the moment the fire began.
“It started around 8 a.m. We first saw smoke, then fire coming from the company. The company is very close to my hostel but I don’t think any hostel was affected. We just carried our bags because we didn’t know what could happen next,” he said.
Vincent confirmed that fire service officials arrived promptly to battle the flames.
Student Union Reaction
The Student Union Government (SUG) of OGITECH, led by President Ilo Fadilu Temitope, issued a statement signed by Secretary Moses Josephine and PRO Segbetin Sunday, urging calm among students.
“The attention of the Students’ Union Government has been drawn to information regarding a fire outbreak at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, which is in close proximity to some student hostels around the Obanla axis. While relevant authorities are responding, the Students’ Union deems it necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students,” the statement read.
Students were advised to remain vigilant and adhere to safety measures:
- Avoid unnecessary movement toward the fire scene
- Stay indoors where safe and keep doors and windows closed if smoke is present
- Switch off electrical appliances and gas sources as a precaution
As of press time, no official statement had been issued on the exact cause of the incident. However, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, told reporters: “Thanks for the information, I will work on it immediately.”
Later reports confirmed that the fire escalated overnight, spreading into nearby residential areas before emergency responders managed to contain it.
The Ogun State Police Command also confirmed the development. Spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi stated via his X handle that officers had been deployed since receiving a distress call.
“The Divisional Police Officer in Igbesa is coordinating the response, while officers are maintaining order as firefighters work to fully extinguish the flames,” Babaseyi said.
He urged residents to remain calm and avoid the affected area until the situation is fully under control.
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