Pastor Dies in Kwara Bush Fire Incident

A 73-year-old cleric, Pastor Samson
Awolola, has lost his life following a bush fire that broke out on his private property in Irewolede area of Ilorin, Kwara State.
The incident occurred on Monday morning while the pastor was burning bushes and grasses on his land, which contains an incomplete building, a perimeter fence and a gated entrance.
According to reports, the fire quickly spread beyond control and cut off the only exit on the property. A labourer who was assisting the pastor reportedly escaped by climbing over the fence.
Eyewitnesses said that Pastor Awolola, in a desperate attempt to save himself, tried to escape through the fence but was overwhelmed by the advancing flames and became trapped.
Firefighters later arrived at the scene and succeeded in extinguishing the blaze before it spread to nearby properties. However, the victim could not be rescued.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Fire Service said it received a distress call at about 11:58am on Monday.
The agency’s Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, stated that the remains of Pastor Awolola were recovered and subsequently handed over to the Community Chairman, Mr. Sunday Nuha, for necessary follow-up actions.
Source: Daily Trust