A raging fire, on Sunday evening, engulfed the auditorium and three offices of The Word Assembly Church in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The fire was said to have been caused by a power surge that torched the church auditorium, some offices, and a recording studio.
Journalists gathered that the fire caused severe damage to the church properties because of the late reporting of the incident to the state fire service and other security agencies in the state.
Kwara State Fire Service spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle said that a combined team of firemen and other security agencies prevented the total destruction of the church by the raging fire.
Adekunle also said the fire not only affected the auditorium but also three out of the six offices.
“During the subsequent investigation into the cause of the outbreak, it was suspected to be a result of a power surge.
“At the scene of the incident, notable figures such as Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah, the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara Governor on Special Duties; and Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, were present.
“Additionally, various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and the Federal Fire Service, provided support and assistance to reduce the damage done to property in the fire incident.”
The Fire Service put the total estimated property lost in the incident at N39.5Million while the total estimated property saved was N74.3Million.
“Therefore, Director, Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa strongly emphasized the importance of timely reporting of fire incidents by the general public,” the statement said.
Falade also urged members of the public to call the fire service promptly whenever a fire occurs, emphasizing that swift action is crucial for minimizing the extent of fire damage.
