By Francesca Hangeior
Kwara State’s new High Court complex located in the Government Reservation Area, Ilorin, the state capital was on Tuesday engulfed by fire.
The main building and offices located in the complex were damaged by the inferno.
The fire which was noticed at around 7.25 am reportedly damaged the 40 offices and three open courtrooms, the Registry Department and the Litigation Office.
The fire, according to the State Fire Service was said to have been triggered by a surge in electricity supply to the area.
A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the fire incident.
Adekunle said firemen were alerted to the inferno through a distress call which the firefighters responded to.
He said, “In the morning of February 13, 2024, 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, housing 40 offices and three open courtrooms, was 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.
“Despite the daunting challenges they faced, the firefighters succeeded in saving the State High Court from complete devastation, 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.”
Adekunle said that the state Director of Fire Service, Falade Olumuyiwa, urged the general public to prioritise safety awareness and precautions in their daily lives.