Two separate fire outbreaks in Ilorin, Kwara State, have destroyed production facilities within hours of each other, resulting in losses worth millions of naira.
The first incident occurred late Friday at Kunzol Multi-Sector Nigeria Limited, a yam flour and crunchy garri processing plant located in the Kilanko–Agbonka area of Ilorin South.
The fire, which began around 10:10 pm, was reportedly caused by heat remnants from a production furnace. The residual heat ignited nearby combustible materials, leading to a fast-spreading blaze.
Confirming the incident on Saturday, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, said firefighters met the factory’s production section already engulfed in flames upon arrival.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was triggered by remnants of unquenched heat, which ignited combustible materials placed close by,” Adekunle said.
He added that firefighters worked swiftly to contain the disaster, preventing the flames from spreading to neighbouring buildings.
The Director of the State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, cautioned factory owners against negligence, particularly regarding heat sources.
“Negligence with fire remnants remains one of the major causes of avoidable industrial fire incidents. We urge all business owners to enforce strict shutdown procedures,” he warned.
A second incident was recorded in the early hours of Saturday at Unik AJ Prints, a printing facility located along Opomalu Road in Ilorin East.
The fire, which started around 3:15 am, affected a storey building housing large printing machines, inverter equipment and other production materials.
According to Adekunle, firefighters responded promptly despite the difficult early-morning conditions.
“Their swift and determined efforts prevented the fire from extending to adjoining buildings in the densely populated area,” he explained.
Preliminary findings indicated that the blaze may have originated from a spark in the building’s inverter system, which subsequently ignited flammable items around it.
Commenting further, the Fire Service Director advised businesses using solar and inverter installations to adopt strict safety practices.
“Alternative power systems should be installed in secure, well-ventilated and fire-protected spaces,” Falade said.
The Kwara State Fire Service assured residents that it remains committed to public safety and rapid emergency response across the state.
