The Kwara State Fire Service on Monday, January 26, 2026, responded to a distress call over a bush fire incident at Cemetery Road in the Irewolede area of Ilorin, which later led to the recovery of a dead body.
According to PFO Hassan Adekunle, the Public Relations Officer and Head of the Media Unit of the service, the emergency call was received at about 11:58hrs, prompting firefighters to move swiftly to the scene to contain the situation.
The incident, he said, involved a 73-year-old man, Pastor Awolola, who was believed to have ignited undergrowth on a piece of land he owned, where an uncompleted building enclosed by a perimeter fence and gated entrance was situated.
“Findings revealed that the undergrowth fire spread rapidly and engulfed the only exit from the premises. In an attempt to escape, the victim tried to leave through the fence; however, the fire had already advanced to that point, resulting in his death.”
Adekunle explained that when firefighters arrived, they immediately engaged the fire and were able to bring it under control, stopping it from extending to nearby buildings and properties in the area.
“Upon arrival, firefighters promptly engaged and successfully quenched the fire, preventing further spread to adjoining properties. The lifeless body was recovered and handed over to the Community Chairman, Mr. Sunday Nuha, for further necessary action.”
He added that the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, described the incident as deeply painful and warned residents against engaging in bush and undergrowth burning, especially during the dry season.
“The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident and strongly advised members of the public to desist from bush and undergrowth burning. He emphasized that such practices are extremely dangerous and unpredictable, especially during dry and windy conditions, and often result in avoidable loss of lives and property. He urged residents to adopt safer land-clearing alternatives and to promptly report any fire outbreak.”
Adekunle said the fire service remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state, stressing that early reporting and public cooperation are key to preventing similar tragedies.
“The Kwara State Fire Service reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State.”
