Fire Safety Alert: Kwara Fire Service Urges Precaution in Short-Let Buildings
A 52-year-old man has died following a late-night fire outbreak at Lafia Hotel along Coca-Cola Road in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The incident occurred at about 11:38 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2026, when the Kwara State Fire Service received a distress call reporting a blaze at the facility, which is used for short-let apartment services.
According to the fire service, the affected structure comprised two flats of three bedrooms each. The entire building was reportedly engulfed in thick smoke, making escape difficult for occupants.
Tragically, one unidentified male, believed to be about 52 years old, lost his life in the incident.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire was triggered by a power surge shortly after electricity supply was restored, causing the flames to spread rapidly across the apartments.
Firefighters arrived promptly at the scene and succeeded in bringing the situation under control by 11:51 p.m. Three fire appliances were deployed to contain the inferno, with additional support from personnel of the Federal Fire Service.
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, expressed sadness over the loss of life and urged property owners, particularly operators of short-let apartments, to prioritise electrical safety.
He advised the installation of standard electrical fittings, quality surge protectors, smoke detectors, emergency lighting systems, and fixed firefighting equipment to ensure early detection and safe evacuation during emergencies. He noted that smoke inhalation remains one of the leading causes of death in fire incidents.
The fire service reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and called on residents to promptly report fire outbreaks to enable swift response.
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