A 73-year-old man, identified as Pastor Awolola, on Monday died in a fire incident in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The incident occurred at about 11:58 a.m. on Cemetery Road, Irewolede area of Ilorin metropolis, according to a statement by the spokesman of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle.
“Pastor Awolola reportedly set undergrowth on fire on a parcel of land he owned, where an incomplete building with a perimeter fence and gated entrance was located.
“Findings revealed that the undergrowth fire spread rapidly and engulfed the only exit from the premises.
“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.”
The spokesman said that upon arrival, firefighters promptly engaged and successfully quenched the fire, preventing further spread to adjoining properties.
“The lifeless body was recovered and handed over to the community chairman, Mr. Sunday Nuha, for further necessary action,” he added.
The Director of the State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident and strongly advised members of the public to desist from bush and undergrowth burning.
He emphasized that such practices are extremely dangerous and unpredictable, especially during dry and windy conditions, and often result in avoidable loss of lives and property.
The director urged residents to adopt safer land-clearing alternatives and to promptly report any fire outbreak.
