Ogun Industrial Zone Fire: Officials Point to Power Surge as Likely Cause

A major fire outbreak at the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in Igbesa has caused significant damage to industrial facilities and nearby residential buildings.

While initial reports from the scene suggested a gas cylinder explosion within a foam-producing company, recent updates from the state government indicate that a power surge may have been the primary catalyst for the inferno. 

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Ojo Emmanuel, and other state officials have been monitoring the situation closely as emergency teams worked to stabilize the area.

Incident Details and Response
The fire reportedly began in the early hours of Sunday morning, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and causing panic among residents and students of the nearby Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH).

• Location: Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa.
• Emergency Action: Firefighters from the Agbara and Ota stations were deployed immediately, battling the blaze for several hours to prevent further spread.
• Security Measures: The Ogun State Police Command, led by the Igbesa Division, cordoned off the area to maintain order and prevent looting while the fire service worked to contain the flames.

Investigating the Cause

Although early witness accounts attributed the disaster to a gas explosion at a foam factory, a preliminary assessment shared by government sources points toward a power surge that ignited combustible materials within the facility.

This surge reportedly triggered a chain reaction, leading to the rapid escalation of the fire that eventually impacted several adjacent residential homes.

Impact and Safety Advisories

While the full extent of the financial loss is still being calculated, valuables worth millions of naira are estimated to have been destroyed.

Fortunately, as of the latest updates, no lives have been lost, though the Students’ Union Government of OGITECH has advised students in the Obanla axis to remain vigilant and keep their electrical appliances switched off as a precaution. 

The state government has reiterated its commitment to public safety, with Governor Dapo Abiodun previously emphasizing a 2026 safety agenda focused on rapid emergency response and improved infrastructure to prevent such occurrences.