A devastating fire engulfed a parish of the Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday night, reportedly trapping several worshippers inside.
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.
One source recounted: “The incident happened at night, around 9:30 pm. I think they were having a Friday vigil. Some worshippers had already fallen asleep to rest before starting the vigil when the incident happened.”
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.
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, said: “Our men were there based on information from one Kunle Junaid.”
He promised to provide further updates.