A fire outbreak has destroyed the private residence of the Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, Adamu Yahaya, leaving valuables in ruins, although no lives were lost.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, while the chairman and members of his family were inside the house. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, with residents and occupants of the building describing the incident as sudden and mysterious. Confirming the incident, the chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Idris Mohammed Omale, said Yahaya and his family escaped the blaze safely despite the extensive damage to the property.
According to Omale, “We are utterly devastated by the incident and loss of properties, but our hearts are filled with immense thanksgiving to God that no life was lost.” He added, “Despite the shocking magnitude of the blaze, the Chairman and his entire family were safely evacuated without any casualties or injuries.”
Omale also commended residents, neighbours and sympathisers whose swift response helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. He expressed appreciation to members of the local community for their solidarity and physical efforts during the emergency, saying their support would not be forgotten.
Eyewitnesses said thick smoke and cries for help drew residents to the scene, where they joined efforts to contain the fire and minimise further damage. One resident, Yusuf Obaje, said the fire had already destroyed a significant amount of property before help arrived.
“The fire destroyed a lot of property inside the building before most of us got there. Our consolation is that no life was lost. Property destroyed in the inferno can be replaced with time, but life cannot,” he said. Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the fire.
