Gas Explosion Triggers Inferno That Destroys Ibadan Residential Building

A late-morning fire has destroyed parts of a residential building in Ibadan after an unattended cooking gas cylinder ignited nearby materials, sparking a fierce blaze that consumed properties worth millions of naira.

The incident occurred at No. 39, Alarape Compound, opposite the new Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Yemetu. Residents said the fire spread rapidly through the ancient structure before emergency responders arrived.

Officials confirmed that the explosion triggered a chain reaction, with flames racing through the upper floor of the building and leaving occupants scrambling to save personal belongings.

Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, said firefighters encountered the top section of the building already engulfed on arrival. He noted that a coordinated response helped stop the fire from taking over the entire compound.

Akinwande revealed that the operation was jointly executed with officers from the Federal Fire Service, who assisted in preventing the blaze from spreading to nearby homes in the densely populated neighbourhood.

Despite the scale of destruction, he confirmed that no casualties were recorded, and firemen were able to salvage valuables also worth millions of naira.

The Fire Service boss urged residents to exercise extreme caution when using gas cylinders and other flammable household items, stressing that many domestic infernos could be avoided with proper safety practices.