Millions lost as fire sweeps through Ibadan’s Unity Estate

A raging fire tore through a residential building in Unity Estate, Elebu, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, June 2, 2025, leaving in its wake properties valued at millions of naira.

The incident occurred at House 10, Avocado Crescent, situated within the Akuru Hassan Block, under Ido Local Government Area.

The blaze, which started around 3:09 p.m., engulfed a twin-flat residential building, destroying several rooms before the arrival of emergency responders.

According to reports from residents and eyewitnesses, the fire spread rapidly, giving little room for salvage efforts. Thick plumes of smoke billowed from the building, drawing attention from neighbours and passersby.

Hon. Maroof Akinwande, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed the incident in a statement released Wednesday.

He said the fire was triggered by an electrical spark from an air conditioning system installed in one of the affected rooms.

“The distressed call was reported at exactly 15:09hrs. No casualty was recorded, but the fire severely damaged the property,” Akinwande said.

Although no lives were lost, the fire consumed high-value items, including flat-screen televisions, air conditioners, wardrobes, kitchen appliances, furniture, clothing, important documents, and personal effects.

Preliminary damage estimates suggest that millions of naira worth of property were destroyed.

Firefighters from the Oyo State Fire Service were promptly deployed to the scene and successfully brought the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to other buildings in the estate.

The swift intervention averted a wider disaster in the densely populated residential zone.

Security personnel were also deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent opportunistic theft.

Affected residents, some in tears, were seen rummaging through the charred remains of their belongings in a desperate bid to recover anything left.

One of the occupants, visibly shaken, lamented the loss. “Everything is gone—my electronics, my children’s school documents, our clothes. We have nowhere to sleep tonight,” she said.

Residents and community leaders have appealed to the state government for immediate assistance to help displaced families rebuild their lives.

They also called for improvements in the state’s emergency response infrastructure and public enlightenment on fire prevention.

Several eyewitnesses blamed the incident on unstable power supply and aging electrical installations.

They urged landlords, estate developers, and power companies to conduct regular electrical audits and enforce compliance with safety standards.

Unity Estate in Elebu is home to many middle-income families and has seen rapid residential development in recent years.

However, recent months have witnessed multiple fire incidents across Ibadan, raising concerns about electrical safety and emergency preparedness.

The Oyo State Fire Service has urged all residents to install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and surge protectors, particularly for high-powered appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators.

The agency also reiterated the importance of reporting fire incidents promptly by dialling emergency lines for quicker response and damage mitigation.

As the affected families count their losses, investigations into the exact cause of the electrical fault are ongoing.

Community leaders are mobilizing support for temporary shelter and donations to help victims recover from the incident.

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