…Attendants, passersby flee as fire rages uncontrollably
Panic gripped residents of Ago-Omoluabi area in Saki, Oyo State, on Monday evening when a raging fire broke out at a fuel station, destroying properties worth millions of naira.
Eyewitnesses said thick black smoke suddenly filled the sky, drawing the attention of nearby residents and motorists. Within minutes, the entire station was engulfed in flames, forcing attendants and passersby to run for safety.
A pickup van parked within the premises was completely razed, alongside several other valuables. Efforts by locals to put out the fire were futile as the inferno intensified, spreading rapidly before the arrival of firefighters.
It took the swift response of the Oyo State Fire Service to bring the situation under control and prevent the fire from extending to adjoining buildings and shops.
Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Fire Reform and Chairman, Fire Services Agency, Hon. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, said no lives were lost.
“The fire was unfortunate, but we thank God that no life was lost. Only the fuel station, a pickup van, and other items were destroyed,” Akinwande said.
He cautioned the public against negligence and stressed the importance of installing functional fire extinguishers, especially in high-risk places like petrol stations.
“Everyone must take fire safety seriously. Having fire extinguishers within reach can make a huge difference before help arrives,” he added.
Akinwande also commended the combined efforts of the police, fire officers, and other security agencies for their quick response, which helped avert what could have been a far more devastating tragedy.