Over N300m worth of property have been lost to fire disaster at the popular Owode market in Offa, Kwara State.

The fire incident which was reported to have begun at about 2:30am today, was said to have been caused by a lit cigarette dropped by a random smoker.

It took the intervention of firefighters from the State and Federal Fire Service to salvage the situation.

In a press statement made available to newsmen in Ilorin by the Head of Media and Publicity, Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Hakeem, the Service Station at Offa received a distress call at half past two in the morning and quickly swung into action.

Meanwhile, the Director Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Olumuyiwa Falade has sympathized with the traders at Owode Market, Offa, over the unfortunate incident and called for vigilance and adherence to safety practices at all times.