Fire Destroys Building, Renders 120 Homeless In Kwara

A fire outbreak at Edun area of Ilorin, Kwara State yesterday affected 44 rooms in a clustered residential building and rendered 120 persons homeless.

The fire incident which occurred at about 11.08am at the Magaji Onikanhun compound, Edun Street, Ilorin affected a 75-room building and a mosque.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the incident was caused by a refuse put on fire by a resident of the area.

The spokesman of Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident in a statement.

He said that 44 rooms in the 75-room building were completely destroyed while 120 persons have been rendered homeless.

Adekunle said, “On Monday, January 15, 2024, around 11:08 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak at Megida Onikanhun Compound, Edun Isale, Ilorin South local government.

“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 11:22 AM, an assistant 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 ignited refuse, initially mistaken for harmless smoke. Unfortunately, it had spread to the nearby compound.

“ A commendation was given for the fire service’s efforts, but the incident left over 120 occupants homeless, affecting 44 rooms and a mosque in the 75-room Magaji Onikanhun compound. Fortunately, there were no casualties.”