A massive fire consumed a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday night, reportedly trapping several worshippers inside.
The blaze erupted around 9:30 p.m. at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, in the Lagelu Local Government Area, according to sources who confirmed the incident on Saturday morning.
Eyewitnesses reported that the church was holding a Friday vigil when the fire started.
One source recounted, “The incident happened in the night around 9:30pm. I think they were having Friday vigil. Some worshippers had already slept off, to have some rest before they start vigil when the incident happened.”
Another source described the harrowing scene, saying “There was an aged woman, very old to the extent that she could not work properly. She was still inside the church when the fire was raging seriously.”
A church member, who requested anonymity, said, “People were still inside the church during the fire . I will get back to you later, please.”
As of the time of reporting, the exact cause of the fire remains unclear.
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, said, “Our men were there based on information from one Kunle Junaid.”
He promised to provide further updates.
More details to follow…
