About 120 residents in Megida Onikanhun Compound, Edun Isale, in Ilorin South Local Council of Kwara State, were rendered homeless yesterday, following a three-hour fire that engulfed over 40 houses in the area.

The Guardian learnt that property estimated at over N300 million were also consumed in the blaze.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire started at about 11:00 a.m., when a resident (names withheld) set fire to refuse, which later spread and became uncontrollable.

Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Fire Service said the entire compound and Edun market were engulfed in flames due to a late call.

Head, Media and Publicity, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, said on arrival, the firefighters pulled down part of the fence for better access.

According to him, the tense situation forced the firefighters to seek reinforcement when the fire persisted.

He condoled with the Magaji Megida Onikanhun’s representative, Kuranga Yunus Adebayo, and other victims.

The Federal Fire Service and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and those of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) were at the scene to control the crowd, protect firefighters, and prevent looting.

The Director, State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, urged the public to stay safe, especially during the dry season, and not hesitate to call firefighters whenever there is an inferno.
Photo: Fire incident. Caption. Debris of the fire incident