A fire outbreak has destroyed the private residence of the Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area in Kogi State, Adamu Yahaya, leaving valuable property damaged.
The incident occurred at about 11 a.m. on Wednesday while the chairman and members of his family were inside the house.
Although the cause of the fire has not been determined, residents and occupants of the building said the blaze started suddenly.
The Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Idris Mohammed Omale, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying Yahaya and his family escaped without injuries.
He said the fire destroyed valuable property but claimed no lives.
“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,” Omale said.
He added that the swift response of community members, neighbours and other sympathisers helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings.
Omale also thanked residents of the local government area and everyone who came to assist during the incident.
According to him, their support and efforts at the scene would always be appreciated.
Some residents said thick smoke and cries for help attracted them to the house, where they joined others in trying to put out the fire and minimise the damage.
One of the residents, Yusuf Obaje, said many valuables had already been destroyed 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.
