Fire guts Ibadan hotel

Firefighters in Ibadan successfully prevented a major disaster in the early hours of Saturday after a fire broke out in a boys’ quarters apartment within a hotel premises, saving properties worth millions of naira.

According to the Fire Services Agency, a distress call was received at about 12:35 a.m. from a resident, identified as Mr Michael, alerting authorities to the incident. Fire personnel, led by Chief Fire Superintendent, Mrs Dairo, were immediately deployed to the scene.

On arrival, officers found the boys’ quarters apartment already engulfed in flames. However, swift and coordinated efforts by the firefighters ensured the blaze was contained before it could spread to the main hotel building or nearby properties.

“The fire was successfully extinguished, and no life was lost in the incident,” the agency said in a statement, adding that the prompt response averted extensive damage.

After putting out the fire, the officers conducted a brief safety awareness session for hotel occupants and residents in the area, educating them on fire prevention and precautionary measures. The fire appliance later returned to the station at about 2:17 a.m. and remains on standby for emergencies.

Commenting on the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, Dr Moroof Akinwande, urged the public to take fire safety seriously, especially in residential and hospitality facilities.

He stressed the importance of installing and maintaining firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, noting that many fire outbreaks can be prevented or effectively controlled with proper safety measures.

Akinwande also commended the firefighters for their quick intervention, saying their timely action prevented the hotel from being razed and potential loss of lives.

The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, advising residents and business owners to remain vigilant, avoid unsafe electrical connections, and promptly report fire incidents.