Fire Outbreak Destroys  Offices, Open Courtrooms in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Fire outbreak at the Kwara State High Court Complex in Ilorin yesterday reportedly damaged 40 offices and three open courtrooms.

Also affected by the inferno are court registry department and litigation office.

The incident, according to THISDAY checks, was caused by power surge that occurred in one of the offices of the court complex  around 7:33 a.m. yesterday.

Following the ugly development, the state fire service were said to have been informed and rushed to the court complex to  prevent the inferno from affecting the whole court complex.

However, a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday and signed by the Head of Media and Publicity of the State Fire Service, Mr. Hakeem Adekunle, said the double efforts of the fire crew have prevented the total ravaging of the whole court complex by the fire outbreak.

The statement read: “In the morning of February 13 at 07:33 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service received a distress call regarding a fire outbreak at the state High Court in Ilorin.

“Responding swiftly, the fire crew rushed to the scene to find the imposing state High Court building ablaze.

“This building, which houses 40 offices and three open courtrooms, were in peril, with the registry department and litigation office particularly affected by the inferno.

“With commendable courage and determination, the firefighters immediately commenced their efforts to combat the raging flames.

“Working tirelessly, they skillfully navigated through the burning structure, deploying their expertise and resources to contain and extinguish the fire.”

He added: “Despite the daunting challenges they faced, the firefighters succeeded in saving the state High Court from complete destruction, preventing what could have been a catastrophic loss.

“Subsequent investigation into the cause of the fire revealed that it was triggered by a power surge, highlighting the importance of electrical safety measures.”

The statement, therefore, urged the members of the public to always check their electrical appliances before leaving their houses and offices so as to prevent future occurrences.