The COVID-19 Centre, located in the Kwara State government-owned Sobi Specialist Hospital, Alagbado, Ilorin, has been gutted by fire.
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the fire was caused by an unidentified person who reportedly set undergrowth around the facility on fire.
It was also gathered that the fire later spread to the COVID-19 centre ward.
The incident, which was confirmed by the state fire service, recorded no loss of lives nor injuries.
According to the Head of the Department (HOD) of Media and Publicity of the service, Hassan Adekunle, the swift response by the Kwara State Fire Service prevented major damage at the COVID-19 centre.
“On Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024, at 08:47 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service swiftly responded to a fire incident at Sobi Specialist Hospital (COVID-19 Centre) in Alagbado, Ilorin.
“Upon arrival, the firemen found one of the six wards ablaze and immediately began firefighting efforts to contain and extinguish the flames, showcasing their expertise to prevent extensive damage.
“Investigation revealed an unidentified person had set undergrowth on fire, which then spread to the COVID-19 Centre ward. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no injuries were recorded.
“Present at the scene, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, Executive Secretary of the Hospital Management Board, commended the firemen for their prompt response and commendable performance at the scene.
“The Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, took this opportunity to advise residents of the state at large to prioritize safety.
“He also urged the general public to be more careful in their day-to-day activities, adding that they should desist from sending under-aged children to fetch water in domestic wells.”