By Amofokhai Williams
In a heart-wrenching blaze that has left the community reeling, a remarkable 103-year-old woman lost her life on Friday when fire engulfed her home at No. 8, Bola Street, off Kadara Street, in the bustling Oyingbo area of Lagos Mainland.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the tragic death, with Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu releasing a somber statement detailing the incident.
The fire, which erupted from a single room before rapidly spreading, claimed the life of the elderly woman while she was inside the building.
LASEMA’s swift response was triggered by distress calls flooding their 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines at 11:43 hours.
The agency’s Response Team from the Onipanu Base mobilized immediately, arriving at the scene by 12:13 hours to find a residential bungalow, complete with two attached shops, fully engulfed in flames.
Upon arrival, responders conducted a thorough risk assessment, cordoned off the area, and implemented critical safety and precautionary measures to prevent the inferno from leaping to neighboring structures and endangering the surrounding community.
The fire ravaged a shocking array of properties: eight units of room and parlour apartments, one unit of room mini-flat (self-contained), six shops, and household items valued in the millions of naira.
After intense collaborative efforts, the blaze was fully extinguished.
Tragically, the body of the 103-year-old victim, described as a centenarian, was recovered from the wreckage.
LASEMA handed her remains over to her grieving family for burial rites and final arrangements.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu praised the seamless coordination among first responders, including the LASEMA Response Team from Onipanu Base, Lagos State Fire & Rescue Service, Vice Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government Area Mr. Adewale Moshood Momo, Nigeria Police Force, and Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC).
He said their quick and professional actions ensured no further lives were lost and minimized damage to adjoining properties.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities yet to determine the exact origin.
LASEMA urges residents to remain vigilant and report hazards promptly. Our thoughts are with the bereaved family during this unimaginable sorrow.
