A 52-year-old man tragically lost his life following a late-night fire at Lafia Hotel on Coca-Cola Road, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday. The hotel, primarily used for short-let accommodations, was engulfed in flames, affecting the entire building.
Fire Engulfs Multi-Flat Facility
According to Hassan Adekunle, spokesman for the Kwara State Fire Service, the building consisted of two flats with three bedrooms each, all of which were impacted by the fire. Smoke quickly filled the structure, making evacuation extremely difficult for occupants.
“Tragically, one life was lost in the incident—an unidentified male, estimated to be about 52 years of age,” Adekunle said.
Firefighters arrived promptly and brought the fire under control around 23:51 hrs, deploying three fire appliances, with additional support from the Federal Fire Service.
Power Surge Likely Cause
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was triggered by a power surge shortly after electricity was restored, causing flames to spread rapidly throughout the building.
Fire Safety Advisory
Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, expressed deep concern over the loss of life and urged property owners, particularly operators of short-let apartments, to prioritise fire safety. Recommendations include:
- Proper electrical installations and routine safety inspections
- Use of quality surge protectors
- Installation of smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and fixed firefighting systems
“Smoke inhalation remains a major cause of fatalities during fires. Early detection and evacuation systems are crucial to preventing loss of life,” Muhammed added.
The incident highlights the urgent need for stringent fire safety measures in short-let accommodations across the state.
