Kwara: Tension As Fire Razes Housing Estate

The Agba Dam Housing Estate in Ilorin, Kwara State was on Wednesday razed by fire.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the incident which occurred at about 1pm at Ikotun Lane, Agbadam Housing Estate, Onikanga, Gaa-Akanbi Area, Ilorin destroyed a four- bedroom flat.

The fire outback was reportedly caused by a spark from the transmission line while fire later originated from the building ‘s distribution board.

The spokesperson of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle confirmed the incident.

He said: “The Fire Service received the distress call and turned out at 12:18hrs to a building comprising approximately four-bedroom flats, where the fire had affected three bedrooms.

“According to information gathered at the scene, the fire was preceded by a spark from the transmission line, after which the fire originated from the building’s distribution board.

“The occupants were reportedly not at home when the incident occurred. Neighbours who initially observed the smoke reportedly assumed that it was a refuse fire. However, when they noticed that the fire was escalating, they promptly alerted the Kwara State Fire Service.

“Despite the delay in the initial call, our firefighters responded swiftly and successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading further. Members of the community commended the firefighters for their prompt response and professional intervention, Adekunle said.

The Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, commended the firefighters for their swift response and urged residents to take every electrical fire warning sign seriously.

He advised residents to report any unusual sparks, smoke or electrical faults immediately, rather than assuming that a fire is merely a refuse-burning incident.

He also urged property owners to ensure that electrical installations, distribution boards and other electrical components are regularly inspected and maintained by qualified professionals.