A late night fire outbreak in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, on Saturday, destroyed property worth N56.8 million.

The incident occurred at MM filling station, Ayegbami junction, Sobi Specialist Hospital road, Alagbado in Ilorin, when a petroleum tanker caught fire while discharging fuel.

The spokesman of the State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, who confirmed the incident, said the quick intervention of firemen prevented the raging fire from spreading to nearby houses.

He said property worth N56.8m was destroyed by the Iinferno while the firemen were able to salvage N589.6m property.

Adekunle said: “Yesterday 11th February 2023, at about 22:05hrs, (10:05PM) men of the Kwara State Fire Service were summoned to a fire incident by Mr Kamaldeen. The incident occurred at M. M. Rodiat Nigeria Limited filling station along Sobi Specialist Hospital road, Ayegbami junction, Ilorin, Ilorin East local government, Kwara State.

“Upon the the brigade arrival at the scene of occurrence, the blazing fire had engulfed the whole tanker due to the terrible nature of the incident. However, firemen were able to put out the fire on time and also prevent the burning tanker from affecting the filling stations and buildings in the vicinity.

“Most importantly, no life was lost in the accident.Report says, the accident was caused due to the mechanical problem in the petrol tanker.”

Meanwhile, Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has commiserated with residents of Alagbado on the late night fire incident.

The governor was one of the earliest sympathisers to arrive at the site as news emerged of the explosion around 10pm local time on Saturday.

He arrived shortly after the state firefighters had put out the inferno, calling for calm and commending the firemen for their prompt response and professionalism.

“Our hearts are with the occupiers of the lone house that got burnt and owners of the petrol station from where the fire started. We share in their pains and losses at this time,” according to a Government House statement released on Sunday morning.

“Similarly, I commend operatives of the state fire service who responded quickly to the distress calls and were able to curtail and minimise the impacts of the fire. We are truly proud of what they did, and will continue to support them as we have been doing over the last three years.

“We thank Almighty God for His mercies, especially that no life was lost in the unfortunate incident. Regardless, the incident (just like avoidable flooding and some other occurrences often caused by poor planning) again justifies our administration's decision to draw up a new master plan for the state, beginning from the capital city. It is in our enlightened interest as a people to live sustainably to avoid unintended harm to ourselves. Once again, we send our sympathies to the victims and pray to God to grant them comfort,” AbdulRazaq said in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.