A devastating fire engulfed a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday night, reportedly trapping several worshippers inside the building.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. at the church, which is situated at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, within the Lagelu Local Government Area of Ibadan.
Eyewitnesses, who spoke with Punch on Saturday morning, revealed that the fire broke out during a Friday night vigil attended by church members. One witness described the events, explaining that the fire erupted while many worshippers were gathered for the vigil. “The incident happened around 9:30 p.m. I think they were having the Friday vigil. Some of the worshippers had already fallen asleep, resting before the vigil began in full swing when the fire started,” the eyewitness recounted, speaking of the panic and confusion that ensued.
Another source provided a more harrowing account, recounting the tragic situation of an elderly woman who was unable to escape the raging flames. “There was an old woman, very frail and unable to walk properly. She was still inside the church when the fire began, and she could not make it out in time,” the source described with distress.
A church member, who wished to remain anonymous, also confirmed that people were still inside the church when the fire broke out. “People were still inside the church during the fire,” the church member said. “I will get back to you later with more information.” The exact number of worshippers trapped inside or the extent of the casualties remains unclear at this time.
As of the latest reports, the cause of the fire is still under investigation, with no official statement confirming the source of the blaze. Local authorities have yet to release specific details about the incident, including whether any lives were lost or the extent of property damage.
The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident, noting that firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call. “Our men responded to the scene based on information from one Kunle Junaid,” Akinyinka said in a brief statement. He assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation into the fire continues.
This tragic incident has left many in the community shaken, with church members and residents anxiously awaiting more details on the extent of the damage and the fate of those involved. The fire serves as a somber reminder of the need for increased vigilance and safety measures, particularly in places of worship where large gatherings take place. Local authorities have pledged to investigate the incident thoroughly to determine the cause and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
