Millions lost as midnight fire guts residential building in Ibadan

A late-night inferno has destroyed properties worth millions of naira after fire swept through a residential building in the Egbeda area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The blaze broke out around midnight on Wednesday at No. 17 Ifesowapo Maternity, Zone 2, Ajoda, engulfing a four-bedroom flat and an adjoining two-room apartment.

Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident, attributing the cause to an electrical surge.

“The distress call came in at 12:42 am, and our firemen, led by ACFS Adisa Wasiu, were immediately deployed,” Akinwande said in a statement.
“The building was already engulfed in flames, but our officers prevented the fire from spreading to nearby properties. Thankfully, no lives were lost.”

Investigations revealed that the fire was triggered by an unattended plugged electrical gadget, which ignited the surge.

Although no casualties were recorded, residents counted heavy financial losses as household items and valuables were reduced to ashes.

The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety awareness in Oyo State, particularly the dangers of leaving electrical appliances unattended overnight.