73-year-old Man Dies In Kwara Fire

A 73- year- old man identified as Pastor Awolola yesterday lost his life to a fire incident in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The tragic incident happened at Cemetery Road, Adewole, Ilorin, where the deceased was said to have been trapped in a fire he set on the undergrowth in a fenced building with an entrance gate.

The spokesperson of the state Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident and casualty in a statement.

Adekunle said:” On Monday, 26th January 2026, at 11:58hrs, the Kwara State Fire Service responded to a distress call at Cemetery Road, Irewolede Area, Ilorin, Kwara State.

“The incident involved a 73-year-old man, identified as Pastor Awolola, who 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; however, the fire had already advanced to that point, resulting in his death.

“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.

“The director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident and strongly advised members of the public to desist from bush and undergrowth burning.

“He emphasised that such practices are extremely dangerous and unpredictable, especially during dry and windy conditions, and often result in avoidable loss of lives and property. He urged residents to adopt safer land-clearing alternatives and to promptly report any fire outbreak.”