Elderly Pastor Dies in Kwara Fire Incident

A bush fire that occurred on a private property in Irewolede, Ilorin, led to the death of 73-year-old Pastor Samson Awolola on Monday morning.

Reports indicate that the fire ignited after Pastor Awolola set certain bushes and grasses on his land ablaze, which includes an unfinished building, a perimeter fence, and a gated entrance.

Sources reveal that the flames quickly spread, obstructing the only exit point from the property.

A laborer, who had been hired to assist Pastor Awolola, managed to escape by climbing over the fence.

According to residents, Pastor Awolola attempted to flee through the fence in a bid to escape the encroaching flames but was unable to do so due to the fire's rapid advance.

Firefighters were able to suppress the blaze before it spread to adjacent properties; however, they were unable to save the pastor.

The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed this tragic event in an evening statement on Monday.

Hassan Adekunle, the Public Relations Officer, stated that the service received a distress call at 11:58 am.

He added, "The body of Pastor Awolola was recovered and subsequently given to the Community Chairman, Mr. Sunday Nuha, for necessary arrangements."