Property worth millions of naira was destroyed yesterday in Ibadan when fire engulfed the parishes of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and New Covenant Church, as well as a shop, Ayo’s Furniture and Interior Decoration.

The shop owner, Ibrahim Bolumade, said he lost over N100 million to the inferno. The 42-year-old said, “It was about 5 a.m. on Tuesday when they called me, saying my shop was on fire. By the time I got there, the fire was still raging. It was beyond what we could control. We quickly went to the Fire Service at Scout Camp, Ibadan South East Local Council, but we were told the vehicle was faulty.

“They called the state headquarters at the secretariat, and the firefighters got to the incident scene at about 6.00 a.m. However, the fire had already done its damage. I could not retrieve even a pin. I lost many generators, 11 sewing machines, raw materials, finished goods, and work to be delivered to customers in Ogun State today.

“The finished jobs to be delivered are worth millions. I am not in the right state of mind to estimate and quantify some items consumed by the fire. I lost over N100 million.

“I don’t know where to start. This is my means of survival and feeding of my family. I have two wives and children. The government should come to my aid.”

One of the neighbours, who identified herself as Iya Bola, alleged that the firefighters’ tardiness escalated the situation beyond control. Another neighbour, Maurice George, corroborated the narrative.

According to him, many chairs and the ceiling of the church were burnt. George said he also lost his solar panel to the inferno. Oyo State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement yesterday. The service said the fire outbreak occurred at No. 51, Debo Plaza, opposite Lam Adesina Junction, Felele, Ibadan.

According to the General Manager, Yemi Akinyinka, firefighters swiftly swung into action and prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings.