A devastating fire broke out at Kwara State’s new High Court complex located in the Government Reservation Area, Ilorin, the state capital, on Tuesday, causing significant damage to the main building and offices within the premises.
The fire, which was first noticed at around 7:25 am, wreaked havoc on the complex, damaging 40 offices, three open courtrooms, the Registry Department, and the Litigation Office.
According to the State Fire Service, the inferno was triggered by a surge in electricity supply to the area.
The Head of Media and Publicity of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident, stating, “In the morning of February 13, 2024, at 07:33 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service received a distress call regarding a fire outbreak at the State High Court in Ilorin.”
Firefighters swiftly responded to the distress call, battling courageously to contain the flames and prevent further devastation.
Adekunle praised the firefighters, saying, “Despite the daunting challenges they faced, the firefighters succeeded in saving the State High Court from complete devastation, preventing what could have been a catastrophic loss.”
An investigation into the cause of the fire revealed that it was triggered by a power surge, underscoring the importance of electrical safety measures.
The state Director of Fire Service, Falade Olumuyiwa, emphasized the need for public safety awareness and precautions.
He urged the general public to prioritize safety in their daily lives, stating, “This call to action underscores the critical role that vigilance and preparedness play in preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.”
Additionally, another fire incident occurred in Ilorin on Monday evening, where a building with 15 rooms and a shop was completely consumed by fire.
The building, located at Arilewo Street, Oja oke off Airport Road Ilorin, was engulfed by flames at around 6:53 pm. The Kwara State Fire Service, responding promptly, managed to minimize the damage and save other shops in the building, thanks to their swift firefighting operations.
Director Olumuyiwa reiterated the importance of electrical safety, advising citizens to switch off their electrical appliances before bedtime to prevent fire outbreaks in their homes or workplaces.
