A terrible fire destroyed a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday night, trapping several worshippers.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 pm at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, in the Lagelu Local Government Area, sources confirmed on Saturday morning.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the church was holding a Friday vigil when the fire broke out.
According to one report, the incident occurred late at night, about 9:30 p.m. I believe they were holding a Friday vigil. Some people had already fallen asleep to relax before the vigil began when the incident occurred.
Another source described the harrowing scene, saying, “There was an elderly woman, very old to the extent that she could not move properly. She was still inside the church while the fire was raging severely.”
A church member, who requested anonymity, added, “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.
The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, confirmed the occurrence, saying: “Our men were there based on information from one Kunle Junaid.”
He promised to provide additional updates.