Fierce Fire: How Wobbly Block Fence Hindered 73-Year-Old Retiree From Running To Safety In Ilorin

Residents of Irewolede, Osere, and Muslim Cemetery Road areas of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, are still discussing the issue in hushed tones and in utter bewilderment.

Family members, friends, neighbours and passersby also spoke in sepulchral tones and had mournful facial expressions as the news of Pa Awolola spread on Monday.

Pa Awolola’s residence is not far from Ori-Oke Abimimogo and Meka Hotel while he had a parcel of land not far away from the place.

The parcel of land in question is not far from Liberty Hotel and Awilo junction.

  The deceased retiree had given no one signs of imminent departure from the planet earth,  there was actually no cause  for concern as he was hale and hearty and he had even exchanged greetings with people who own shops in the area shortly before his death.

He was apparently oblivious of the sword of Damocles hanging over his head.

It was gathered that on getting to the said parcel of land, he inspected the place and saw that the bush had been cleared  with the debris packed together as instructed and he subsequently wet it with petrol.

However, after igniting the fire, it suddenly became an ‘out of control’ flame and the two of them took a quick decision to run to safety.

Sources told Team@orientactualmags.com that while the young man quickly scaled the fence, Pa Awolola could not do that apparently as a result of old age and unfortunately, when he finally sought to do so, the wobbly block fence fell while being held and sadly he fell on his back, his clothes caught fire and he got trapped.

The young man who accompanied him and had escaped death, screamed for help but the fire incident had already claimed the septugenararian as casualty.

The deceased person, we gathered has a shop on Taiwo Road where he sells medical equipment while one of his children is a medical doctor.

Spokesman for Kwara State Fire Service, Mr Hassan Adekunle, who confirmed the incident on Monday, added that the body of the deceased person was evacuated by firefighters after bringing the flames under control.

‘On Monday, 26th January 2026, at 11:58hrs, the Kwara State Fire Service responded to a distress call on Cemetery Road, Irewolede Area, Ilorin, Kwara State.

The incident involved a 73-year-old man, identified as Pastor Awolola, who reportedly set fire to debris on a parcel of land he owned, which has an uncompleted building with a perimeter fence and gated entrance.

Findings revealed that the  fire spread rapidly and engulfed the only exit from the place.

In an attempt to escape, the victim tried to scale the fence; however, the fire had already advanced to that point, resulting in his death.

Upon arrival, firefighters promptly engaged and successfully put out 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.

The Director of Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident and he has strongly advised members of the public to desist from bush and undergrowth burning. 

He emphasised 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.

The Kwara State Fire Service has also restated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State’ the statement added-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you