In a dramatic rescue operation that drew widespread attention across Oyo State, operatives from the Oyo State Fire Services Agency (OYSFA) successfully saved a 65-year-old woman from a fierce blaze that consumed part of a residential building in Ibadan, the state capital. The incident, which occurred on the evening of February 6, 2026, not only sparked fear among residents of the Elekuro area but also highlighted longstanding concerns about fire safety and emergency response readiness in urban parts of southwest Nigeria.
The fire broke out in the boys’ quarters of a six-room residential compound located beside a primary healthcare centre in Elekuro, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting frantic calls to emergency services. Upon receiving the distress signal, fire personnel mobilised without delay to confront what quickly became a serious threat to life and property.
Swift Response Averts Greater Catastrophe
According to a statement from Mr. Maroof Akinwande, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, the fire started in one of the rooms of the boys’ quarters before spreading rapidly through parts of the ancient structure. The speed at which the inferno spread alarmed residents and raised the risk of the blaze consuming adjacent rooms and neighbouring buildings.
Immediately after the distress call came in, firefighters were deployed with specialised equipment to the scene. On arrival, they were met with intense heat and visible flames that threatened more than just the initial point of ignition. Akinwande explained that the firefighters swung into action immediately, mobilising resources to contain and curtail the spread of the fire.
Their rapid and professional response was instrumental not only in preventing the fire from escalating into a full-blown disaster affecting more homes but also in saving the life of the vulnerable elderly resident who had been trapped. Amid heavy smoke, firefighters located the distressed woman, who had inhaled excessive smoke and was in danger of suffering fatal injuries.
The Victim’s Ordeal and Rescue
The trapped woman, approximately 65 years old, was discovered unconscious in the smoke-filled interior. Thanks to the firefighters’ swift actions, she was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. As of the latest reports, she is receiving treatment for smoke inhalation, a common but potentially life-threatening consequence of fire exposure.
Fire officials confirmed that there were no fatalities in the incident, a fact that residents of Elekuro attribute to the quick intervention of OYSFA personnel. However, the event left several households devastated as many household items, furniture, electrical appliances, and personal belongings were destroyed in the blaze — losses estimated to be worth millions of naira.
Residents Thank Firefighters, Raise Alarm on Safety Gaps
Eyewitnesses and neighbours who spoke to journalists following the incident commended the firefighters for their courage and professionalism. Many residents said the prompt arrival of fire service officers helped avert an even more devastating outcome, particularly given the building’s location close to a healthcare facility and other residential units.
Despite relief that no lives were lost, residents expressed concern about how quickly the fire engulfed the building and questioned whether adequate fire safety measures — such as smoke detectors, accessible fire extinguishers, and clear evacuation plans — were in place. These elements, they argued, could help deter or mitigate similar events in the future.
Investigation Underway: Cause Still Unknown
As of the most recent updates, the precise origin of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to establish how the blaze began and whether it was linked to faulty electrical wiring, unattended cooking equipment, or another common trigger of domestic fire outbreaks.
Fire chiefs emphasised that although such tragedies can occur unexpectedly, many are preventable through proper maintenance of electrical systems, careful handling of cooking appliances, and regular safety checks. The fire service also urged residents to report fire cases promptly and provide accurate location details when making distress calls, a factor that significantly enhances the speed and effectiveness of emergency responses.
Fire Risks in Ibadan: A Recurring Challenge
The Elekuro fire is not an isolated incident; several other areas within Ibadan and the wider Oyo State have experienced similar outbreaks in recent months and years. For example, fire has previously razed market shops and residential properties in locations such as Oja Agbe market and Dugbe market, causing substantial economic loss and sparking public outcry for improved fire safety infrastructure.
In December 2025, firefighters also intervened in a blaze that destroyed eight shops near the Sango Police Division Headquarters, further underlining how fire emergencies continue to disrupt lives and businesses across the city.
In another incident not long ago, flames gutted a six-room residential building at Ifedapo Estate, Amuloko, resulting in millions of naira in property loss before firefighters were able to prevent the spread to neighboring structures.
While many of these incidents have thankfully resulted in no loss of life, they collectively point to fire outbreaks as a persistent public safety concern in Ibadan and other urban centres in southwestern Nigeria. The ongoing challenge underscores the urgency of community education on fire prevention, better building safety standards, and reinforced emergency infrastructure.
Lessons and Safety Recommendations
In the wake of the Elekuro blaze, fire officials and safety advocates have reiterated core guidelines aimed at reducing the frequency and impact of fire emergencies:
Regular electrical inspections: Ensuring that wiring and electrical installations are up-to-code can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires.
Proper use of cooking appliances: Avoiding unattended stoves or gas cylinders and following safe cooking practices can prevent kitchen-related fire ignition.
Installation of fire detection systems: Smoke alarms and fire detectors provide early warning and can save lives — especially for vulnerable residents such as the elderly.
Accessible firefighting tools: Fire extinguishers placed strategically in homes and compounds help residents tackle small outbreaks before they escalate.
Fast reporting of incidents: Prompt communication with the fire service allows for faster deployment and reduces the window for the fire to spread.
Conclusion: A Community on Alert
The dramatic rescue of the elderly woman and the subsequent containment of a potentially catastrophic fire in Elekuro reflect both the bravery of Oyo State’s firefighters and the real vulnerabilities that many Nigerian urban communities face. As investigations continue, residents and authorities alike are reminded of the importance of fire safety preparedness and vigilance in everyday life.
Every fire outbreak, whether it results in loss of life or merely obliterates property worth millions, serves as a stark reminder: fire safety is not just the responsibility of emergency services — it is a collective obligation that requires awareness, preventive action, and community cooperation.
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