Residents of the Sango area in Ibadan were thrown into a state of panic over the weekend as a fierce fire consumed part of a residential building, destroying six rooms before emergency services could subdue the flames.
Timely Response Limits Damage
The incident occurred on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at a storey building located at No 51, Alemuloke Street. The Oyo State Fire Services Agency headquarters received a distress call from the busy neighbourhood at approximately 6:27 p.m., prompting immediate mobilization.
Firefighters, led by Chief Fire Superintendent Adedeji, raced to the scene amid concerns that the blaze could escalate into a catastrophic event. Upon arrival, they discovered that six out of the twelve rooms on the building's upper floor were already engulfed in fire.
Coordinated Effort Saves Property
A joint operation by personnel from the Oyo State Fire Services Agency and the Federal Fire Service, Ibadan Command proved decisive. Their coordinated and swift action successfully prevented the fire from spreading to the six remaining rooms, the ground floor, and nearby structures in the densely populated area.
Eyewitnesses reported a tense scene with thick smoke billowing into the sky, attracting crowds of concerned residents and passersby. Many later expressed relief that the situation was contained before it could consume the entire property or leap to adjoining houses.
Officials Commend Crew, Issue Safety Advice
No casualties were recorded in the incident. Officials credited this positive outcome to the timely intervention of the fire crews and the cooperation of people at the scene. The fire appliance returned to the station safely by about 8:32 p.m. after the operation.
Reacting to the event, Dr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, praised the officers for their professional and prompt response. He emphasized that their actions averted a more devastating outbreak.
Dr. Akinwande used the opportunity to advise the public on crucial safety measures:
- Always give right of way to emergency vehicles, especially fire trucks, to ensure they reach incidents quickly.
- Install fire extinguishers in homes, as early intervention can stop small fires from spreading.
The incident underscores the ever-present risk of fire outbreaks in residential areas and the critical importance of both professional emergency services and public preparedness.
