Ilorin, Kwara State – A 73-year-old man, identified as Pastor Awolola, lost his life on Monday after a fire he set to clear undergrowth on his property quickly got out of control, the Kwara State Fire Service has confirmed.

According to PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the Public Relations Officer of the Fire Service, the incident occurred at 11:58am on Cemetery Road, Irewolede Area, Ilorin, where Pastor Awolola’s parcel of land housed an incomplete building with a fenced and gated entrance. “Our findings show that the fire spread swiftly, engulfing the only exit from the premises. In a desperate attempt to escape, the victim tried to leave through the fence, but the flames had already reached that point,” he stated.

Firefighters arrived promptly at the scene and managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties. The deceased’s body was recovered and handed over to the Community Chairman, Mr. Sunday Nuha, for further action.

Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, expressed sorrow over the tragedy, warning residents about the dangers of bush and undergrowth burning. “These fires are extremely unpredictable, especially during dry and windy conditions, and they often result in avoidable loss of lives and property,” he said. “We urge everyone to adopt safer land-clearing methods and to report any fire outbreaks immediately.”

The Kwara State Fire Service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.