Abuja – February 27, 2024 – Viewpoint Housing News.
A block of classrooms at Grace International School in the Tanke area of Ilorin and four more rooms at Akumaju compound, Ita-Amodu area in the Ilorin West local government area of the state suffered damage by a negligent fire that was started on an overgrown area and refuse dump in Ilorin, Kwara.
The Grace International School, which is located on Awolowo Street next to Kobiowu Mosque in the Tanke area of the Ilorin South Local Government Area of the state, lost nine of its fourteen classrooms to fire set on an undergrowth by unknown people on Sunday. In addition, four out of six rooms in the Ita-Amodu area of Ilorin were destroyed in an incident involving a refuse dump.
According to a statement released by Hassan Adekunle, Head of Media and Publicity, the state fire department was notified of the fire at the school on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at around 18:06 p.m.
“A frightening sight greeted them at the scene: a block of classrooms completely destroyed by fire. Unfazed, the firemen launched themselves into action, showcasing their proficiency and commitment to putting out the fire. Even with the fire’s ferocity, they continued to work with determination and commitment.
“Tragically, the fire had already ravaged nine out of the 14 classrooms, leaving a significant portion of the school in ruins.
“Through meticulous investigation, it was determined that the fire originated from an undergrowth that had been deliberately set ablaze by an unidentified individual. The flames then rapidly spread to the school building, causing extensive damage”, it said.
The statement further explained that, “Again, on Monday, February 26, 2024, at approximately 01:25am, the Kwara State Fire Service received an urgent call to respond to a fire at the Akumaju compound in the Ita-Amodu area of Ilorin. Without hesitation, the firefighters promptly departed from the station with their fire appliance.
Upon arrival at the scene, they were met with a daunting sight: multiple rooms engulfed in flames. Undeterred, the firefighters sprang into action, showcasing their expertise and dedication to extinguishing the blaze. Despite the intensity of the fire, they managed to contain it, preventing further devastation.
“Sadly, the fire had already ravaged three out of the six rooms in the compound.
“Through thorough investigation, it was determined that the fire originated from a refuse set ablaze by an unidentified individual, which then spread to the affected rooms”, the statement said.
The Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, extended his profound sympathies to those impacted by the fire. He underlined the essential necessity of public awareness and safety consciousness, encouraging residents to be watchful to avert repeat accidents.
