A fire has gutted part of the Department of State Services (DSS) residential quarters in Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government Area.
The blaze, which occurred on Tuesday, affected the first block of the DSS housing complex in the area.
According to a statement from the Ipokia Local Government, the fire originated from a solar panel installed on the building and quickly spread to sections of the structure, damaging several rooms.
The incident led to the destruction of several valuables belonging to DSS officials living in the quarters. Items affected include electronics, clothing, personal materials and important documents.
“The fire emanated from the solar panel installed on the building, which later spread to parts of the structure and into some of the rooms. The incident destroyed several valuables belonging to DSS officials residing in the quarters, including electronics, clothing, personal materials, and important documents. The statement said.
The fire was eventually contained through the quick response of the Ogun State Fire Service Station in Ipokia, with additional support from members of the community.
Their prompt intervention helped to contain the fire and prevented it from spreading further within the building, thereby reducing the level of damage recorded during the incident.
“However, thanks to the swift response of the Ogun State Fire Service Station in Ipokia, as well as the prompt efforts of members of the community, the fire was successfully contained. Their timely intervention prevented the fire from escalating beyond control and helped minimise further destruction of property within the building.” The statement added
Following the incident, the Executive Chairman of Ipokia Local Government, Johnson Akohomeh Avoseh, led a delegation of local government officials on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected quarters.
Other members of the delegation included the Vice Chairman, Grace Olufunmilayo Okewole, the Secretary to the Local Government, Johnson Olushola Babajide, the Head of Local Government Administration, Olukemi Ogunyewo, as well as the Supervisor for Health and Medical Services, Bankole Simeon.
During the visit, the chairman and his team inspected the affected section of the building to assess the extent of the damage caused by the fire.
The delegation also sympathised with the DSS officials whose belongings were destroyed in the incident.
Authorities confirmed that no life was lost in the fire.
The local government also stated that it would communicate the situation to the appropriate authorities while exploring possible ways to provide immediate support and relief to the affected officials.
Efforts are also expected to focus on measures that will help prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.
