A 41-year-old man, AbdulFatai, has been killed, while 40 others were rendered homeless following an early Monday fire outbreak that engulfed a 35-room building in Ilorin, Kwara State.
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Property valued at several millions of Naira were also consumed in the fire. The Guardian gathered that the deceased, who hailed from Ile Alate, Abayawo visited and spent the night with his friend at the 158, Ile Alaparan-Sayi, Alore, where the sad incident occurred.

It was gathered that the fire started in a room where combustible materials, including petrol, batteries, and tire inflator engine were stored. Confirming the incident, the State Fire Service, said it responded to a fire outbreak at No. 158, Ile Alaparun Isale, Alore, Ilorin, following a distress call at about 2:00a.m.

“Upon arrival, the fire had already engulfed some rooms, but the determined firefighters worked diligently to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing its spread to other areas. Ultimately, five rooms were affected, while 30 rooms were successfully saved.

“Tragically, the fire claimed the life of a 41-year-old man, identified as AbdulFatai from Ile Alate, Abayawo.
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“He had come to spend the night at a friend’s residence but was unable to escape due to intense smoke, which rendered him unconscious.

“His body was handed over to his family after the firefighting operation,” the spokesperson of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle explained.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by spontaneous ignition in a room storing combustible materials, including petrol, batteries, and a tire inflator engine.

Meanwhile, the State Emergency Management Agency (KWASEMA), responded with relief materials towards alleviating their suffering in the challenging period.

They included rice, cement, roofing sheets, nails, mattresses, salt, spaghetti and vegetable oil for the victims. Secretary of KWASEMA, Mallam Saadu Mogaji, emphasised the importance of adhering to safety practices and avoiding harmful behaviours that can cause fire disasters, particularly during the dry season.

He said: “These essential household items will help alleviate the immediate needs of the affected families and support them in rebuilding their lives.”
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