Pastor Dies in Fire Incident in Ilorin

   

A 73 year old pastor, identified as Awolola, has lost his life in a tragic fire incident in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, after a blaze he reportedly ignited spread out of control and trapped him inside his own property.

The incident occurred at about 11.58 a.m. on Monday along Cemetery Road in the Irewolede area of the Ilorin metropolis. According to official reports, the deceased had set undergrowth on fire on a parcel of land he owned, which contained an incomplete building with a perimeter fence and a gated entrance.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said the fire spread rapidly due to surrounding dry vegetation and windy conditions, quickly engulfing the only exit from the premises.

He explained that the elderly man became trapped as the flames intensified and attempted to escape through the perimeter fence, but the fire had already advanced to that point, making escape impossible.

“In an attempt to escape, the victim tried to leave through the fence, but the fire had already advanced to that point, resulting in his death,” Adekunle stated.

Firefighters from the Kwara State Fire Service were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving the distress call. The fire was successfully extinguished, preventing it from spreading to adjoining properties and nearby buildings in the area. However, by the time the fire was brought under control, the victim had already died.

The lifeless body of Pastor Awolola was recovered and handed over to the community chairman, Mr Sunday Nuha, for further necessary action and arrangements.

Reacting to the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and extended condolences to the family and community of the deceased.

He warned members of the public against the practice of bush and undergrowth burning, describing it as extremely dangerous and unpredictable, particularly during the dry season.

According to him, such fires frequently spread beyond control within minutes, leading to avoidable loss of lives and destruction of property. He urged residents to adopt safer and more controlled methods of land clearing and to promptly alert fire authorities whenever a fire outbreak occurs.

The tragic incident has left residents of the Irewolede area in shock and has renewed calls for greater public awareness on fire safety and prevention measures across Kwara State.