A fire outbreak in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, destroyed property worth millions of naira on Monday, leaving over 120 persons homeless.
The first disaster occurred at about 11:08am, according to the spokesman of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, in a statement in Ilorin on Monday.
He said the Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak at Megida Onikanhun Compound, Edun Isale, Ilorin South Local Government Area of the state.
“The firefighters, upon arrival, found the entire compound and Edun Market engulfed in flames due to a late call. To enhance firefighting efforts, part of the fence was dismantled for better access.
“At 11:22am, a message was sent to the brigade headquarters for additional manpower, and the proficient firefighters successfully brought the situation under control within an hour before completely extinguishing the fire.
“Investigation revealed that an unknown person had set refuse on fire, initially mistaken for harmless smoke. Unfortunately, it spread to the nearby compound.”
Hassan, Head of Department of Media, expressed condolences to Magaji Megida Onikanhun’s representative, Kuranga Yunus Adebayo.
He commended the fire service’s efforts, adding that the fire incident left over 120 occupants homeless, affected 44 rooms and a mosque in the 75-room Magaji Onikanhun’s Compound. Fortunately, there were no casualties.
The Federal Fire Service and officers from the Department of Disaster Management, NSCDC, and State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps were on ground to ensure crowd control and prevent potential looting, safeguarding both market goods and the firefighters.
Director, Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, urged the general public to always play safe, especially during this period and not to hesitate to call the fire brigade on time whenever there is any fire emergency in their areas, as this would save lives and properties of people in the state.