A fire early Tuesday morning nearly engulfed the Ebunlomo Hotel and Resort in Ilorin, Kwara State, but firefighters managed to contain the blaze before it reached the 23-room accommodation block.
The fire, which broke out around 5:07 am, destroyed the bar area and an adjacent store.
Spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said firefighters responded swiftly and “implemented a coordinated strategy that prevented the blaze from spreading further.”
He added, “Initial findings showed that the incident was triggered by a power surge, which ignited the bar and store sections.” He also noted that the quick action of the operatives prevented what could have been a major loss.
Prince Falade John, Director of the state Fire Service, urged hotel operators and residents to take electrical safety seriously.
“We advise that all commercial or residential properties should be equipped with surge protectors and functional circuit breakers,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of routine checks, adding that “regular electrical maintenance and early detection remain key to preventing serious fires.”
The Fire Service reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and properties across Kwara State.
This incident follows another fire on Monday in the Rumuola area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, which destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
