Kwara Fire Chief visits Ita-Amodu fire scene, commends community support

By Ahmed Olayinka

The Chief Fire Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFO Alabi Muhammed, has visited the scene of the recent fire outbreak at Ita-Amodu, Niger Junction, Ilorin, to sympathise with affected traders and assess the aftermath of the incident.

CFO Alabi, accompanied by senior officers and personnel of the Service, made the visit on Monday, August 24, 2026, a day after the major inferno that affected several shops in the area.

During the visit, the Chief Fire Officer expressed concern over the losses suffered by the affected shop owners and assured them of the continued commitment of the Kwara State Fire Service to protecting lives and property across the state.

He also used the opportunity to sensitise traders and members of the Oke-Aluko/Ita-Amodu community on the need to adopt proactive fire safety measures, particularly in businesses dealing with highly combustible materials.

CFO Alabi urged business owners to invest in appropriate firefighting equipment and adequate fire protection systems, stressing that prevention remains crucial in reducing the devastating impact of fire outbreaks.

He particularly highlighted the importance of fixed fire protection installations as well as automated fire detection and suppression systems, noting that such systems can detect and respond to fire even when occupants or business owners are not present.

According to him, the early detection and suppression of fires can significantly reduce losses and prevent minor incidents from escalating into major disasters.

The Oke-Aluko/Ita-Amodu community, in turn, expressed appreciation to the men and officers of the Kwara State Fire Service for their courageous intervention during the previous day’s fire outbreak.

The residents acknowledged the firefighters’ tireless efforts in containing the inferno and preventing it from spreading to adjoining properties, which could have resulted in greater destruction.

The visit underscored the Service’s commitment not only to responding to emergencies but also to promoting fire prevention awareness and strengthening community preparedness.

The Kwara State Fire Service therefore urged residents and business owners to make fire safety a priority and ensure that their premises are adequately equipped to prevent and respond to emergencies before they occur.