A fire outbreak has razed the private residence of the Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, Adamu Yahaya, destroying valuables in the building.
The incident occurred around 11am on Wednesday while the chairman and members of his family were inside the house.
Although the cause of the fire had yet to be established, residents and occupants of the building said the incident happened suddenly and mysteriously.
The Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Idris Mohammed Omale, confirmed the incident in a statement saying Yahaya and his family escaped unhurt.
He said the fire destroyed valuable property but no life was lost.
“We are utterly devastated by the incident and loss of properties, but our hearts are filled with immense thanksgiving to God that no life was lost.
“Despite the shocking magnitude of the blaze, the Chairman and his entire family were safely evacuated without any casualties or injuries,” Daily Trust quoted Omale as saying.
Omale said the quick intervention of community members, neighbours and sympathisers prevented the fire from spreading to nearby houses.
He appreciated the residents of the local government and other sympathisers who rushed to the scene to assist the family.
According to him, their solidarity and physical efforts during the incident were deeply valued and would not be forgotten.
Several residents said thick smoke and screams from the building drew them to the scene, where they joined efforts to contain the fire and reduce its impact.
A resident of Ankpa, Yusuf Obaje, said the fire had destroyed many items before help arrived.
“The fire destroyed a lot of property inside the building before most of us got there. Our consolation is that no life was lost. Property destroyed in the inferno can be replaced with time, but life cannot,” he said.
