A dawn fire on Tuesday almost razed the Ebunlomo Hotel and Resort in Ilorin, Kwara State, but firefighters stopped the flames before they reached the 23-room accommodation block.
The fire started around 5:07 am and destroyed the bar section and a nearby store.
The spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said firefighters arrived quickly and “implemented a coordinated strategy that prevented the blaze from spreading further.”
He said, “Initial findings showed that the incident was triggered by a power surge, which ignited the bar and store sections.” He added that the prompt response of the operatives stopped what could have been a massive loss.
The Director of the state Fire Service, Prince Falade John, warned hotel operators and residents about the danger of ignoring electrical safety. He said, “We advise that all commercial or residential properties should be equipped with surge protectors and functional circuit breakers.”
He also stressed the need for routine checks, saying regular electrical maintenance and early detection remain key to preventing serious fires.
The service said it will continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property across Kwara.
The incident came a day after a separate fire destroyed properties worth millions of naira at the Rumuola area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State.
