A devastating fire engulfed the Christ Apostolic Church in Wisdom Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, December 13, trapping several worshippers.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Olohunda Road, Lagelu Local Government Area, as congregants prepared for an overnight vigil.
Eyewitness Accounts
According to eyewitnesses, the fire erupted while some worshippers were asleep in the church, resting before the vigil began.
One eyewitness described the scene: “The fire started around 9:30 p.m. Some worshippers had fallen asleep in preparation for the vigil when the incident happened.”
Another account highlighted the plight of an elderly woman who was unable to escape unaided. “There was an aged woman who could barely walk. She was still inside the church when the fire was raging seriously,” the source said.
A church member, speaking anonymously, confirmed that people were still inside the church during the fire but declined to provide further details.
Emergency Response
The Oyo State Fire Services responded promptly to the blaze after being alerted by a resident.
Akinyemi Akinyinka, the General Manager of the Fire Services, confirmed their intervention and stated that the cause of the fire remains undetermined as of press time.
“Our men responded based on information from one Kunle Junaid,” Akinyinka said, promising to provide further updates as investigations unfold.
Current Status
Details about casualties or the extent of the damage are yet to be confirmed. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
