Power Surge Suspected as Fire Damages Shops in Ilorin

By Ahmed Olayinka

A section of a residential and commercial building in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, was affected by an early morning fire outbreak, with preliminary findings pointing to a power surge as the likely cause, THE PRIME NEWS reports.

The incident occurred around 4:56 a.m. on Sunday at No. 28 Ijoro Street, off Asa-Dam Road, where one of the shops in the building was gutted before emergency responders brought the situation under control.

Confirming the development, the Kwara State Fire Service, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, said the building comprised a two-bedroom apartment and seven shops, with only one shop significantly impacted by the blaze.

Firefighters were said to have responded promptly, successfully containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to adjoining shops and the residential section of the building.

Items destroyed in the affected shop included grinding machines, food items, and other valuables.

According to the fire service, initial investigations suggest that a power surge triggered the fire by igniting combustible materials within the shop.

Reacting to the incident, the Director of the Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, advised residents and business owners to adopt preventive safety measures, including the use of surge protectors, avoiding electrical overloading, and conducting routine checks on wiring systems.

He also stressed the importance of keeping portable fire extinguishers readily available for quick response in case of emergencies.

The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that timely intervention remains key to minimising damage during fire incidents.

The latest incident adds to a growing list of fire outbreaks in Ilorin, including a recent vehicle fire at a hotel in Ilorin South and another shop fire along Pakata Road earlier in April.