Properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed after a fire ravaged a six-room residential building near Olubi Primary School Wesley Elekuro in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, June 16, 2025, was caused by an unattended domestic cooking gas cylinder that exploded and set the building ablaze, according to officials.
Maroof Akinwande, Chairman of Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed that the distress call was received at exactly 10:22 hours, prompting an immediate response from the agency's personnel led by ACFS Adekola.
Swift Response Prevents Further Damage
"We swiftly swung into action and curtailed the fire from spreading to other nearby buildings and properties," Akinwande stated. "No casualty was recorded, but the fire severely affected the building."
The fire service's prompt intervention was crucial in preventing what could have been a more devastating incident, as they successfully contained the blaze before it could spread to adjacent structures.
Gas Cylinder Safety Concerns
This incident highlights the dangers associated with improper handling of cooking gas cylinders, a common household item in many Nigerian homes. Safety experts recommend regular inspection of gas cylinders and connections for leaks, never leaving cooking unattended, and ensuring proper ventilation in areas where gas appliances are used.
The Ibadan fire adds to a concerning pattern of domestic fire incidents in Nigeria, many of which are preventable with proper safety measures and awareness.
Residents are advised to exercise caution when using gas cylinders and to have emergency contact numbers readily available in case of fire incidents.
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