A 65-year-old woman narrowly escaped death on Friday evening after operatives of Oyo State Fire Service rescued her from a fierce fire outbreak that partially destroyed a residential building in Ibadan, the state capital.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred in the Elekuro area, close to a primary healthcare centre, where a sudden inferno broke out in a section of an old six-room apartment building, triggering panic among residents and passersby.
Eyewitnesses said thick smoke and intense flames quickly filled the compound, forcing occupants to flee in confusion while calling for help.
Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr. Maroof Akinwande, said the fire originated from one of the rooms in the boys’ quarters and rapidly spread to adjoining sections, threatening to engulf the entire building and nearby structures.
He explained that the agency received an emergency alert shortly after the fire started and immediately dispatched a team of firefighters, supported by fire engines and rescue equipment, to the scene. According to him, the officers acted swiftly to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation.
“Our personnel arrived promptly and immediately commenced firefighting operations. They successfully curtailed the spread of the fire and protected the main building and neighbouring houses from being consumed,” he said.
During the rescue operation, the firefighters discovered a 65-year-old woman trapped within the smoke-filled area. She reportedly sustained severe injuries due to excessive smoke inhalation and was quickly evacuated and taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. Medical sources confirmed that she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
Although no fatalities were recorded, the fire caused extensive damage to household items, including furniture, electrical appliances, clothing, and other personal valuables, with losses estimated to run into millions of naira. Residents said the blaze destroyed years of property and left several occupants temporarily displaced.
Akinwande described the quick response of the fire service as decisive in averting a larger disaster, especially considering the building’s closeness to a healthcare facility and other densely populated residential homes.
Residents of the community praised the professionalism and courage of the firefighters, noting that their timely intervention prevented loss of life and more extensive destruction. Some witnesses said the fire spread rapidly, creating fear and chaos as occupants struggled to save their belongings.
Akinwande said investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the outbreak, adding that preliminary findings point to a possible electrical fault, which remains under review.
He advised residents to regularly inspect electrical wiring, avoid overloading power sockets, and ensure cooking equipment is properly handled to reduce the risk of fire incidents. He also urged members of the public to promptly report emergencies to enable swift response and limit damage.
