A devastating fire broke out at the Christ Apostolic Church located in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday evening, resulting in a tragedy as several worshippers were reportedly trapped inside the church. The fire started at approximately 9:30 p.m. and spread rapidly, according to eyewitnesses and sources who spoke to PUNCH Online on Saturday morning.
The incident took place at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, in the Lagelu Local Government Area, a residential area in the city, while the church was holding its weekly Friday vigil. Sources who were present during the vigil reported that the fire began suddenly, catching many worshippers off guard. One eyewitness shared their account, saying, “It happened around 9:30 p.m. during the vigil. Some worshippers had fallen asleep before the vigil began, and the fire spread quickly, trapping them inside.”
The fire's intensity was overwhelming, and the situation became even more tragic when it was revealed that an elderly woman, unable to move quickly due to her age, was still inside the church when the fire broke out. Witnesses described the distressing scene, recounting how the elderly woman, who had difficulty walking, was trapped inside the building as the fire raged. One witness said, “There was an elderly woman inside the church who was so old that she could barely move. She was still inside when the fire was raging, which made it even more heartbreaking.”
A church member, who wished to remain anonymous, also spoke about the tragic event, saying, “There were still people inside the church when the fire started. The situation was chaotic, and I’m unable to provide further details at the moment, but I will share more information later as things develop.”
The cause of the fire remains unknown, with authorities launching an investigation to determine its origin. Akinyemi Akinyinka, the General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, confirmed that the fire had occurred and assured the public that they responded promptly to the distress call. He further stated, “Our team responded after receiving information from one Kunle Junaid. We are working with local authorities to investigate the cause and ensure those affected receive the support they need.”
The situation continues to unfold, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. The authorities are doing their best to provide assistance to those who were affected, and the community is left in shock, waiting for further updates as the story develops. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
