A 73-year-old pastor, Samson Awolola, has d!ed after he was trapped in a bush fire on his private property in Irewolede, Ilorin, Kwara State
The incident happened on Monday morning while the cleric was clearing bushes and dry grass on his land, which has an incomplete building, perimeter fence and a single gated entrance.
Reports disclosed that the fire, which he reportedly set himself, spread faster than expected and blocked the only exit from the property.
A labourer brought to assist him managed to escape by climbing over the fence, but the pastor was not as lucky.
Residents said Pastor Awolola attempted to flee through the fence when the fire intensified but was overtaken by the flames before he could get out.
Firefighters later arrived and put out the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings, but the pastor had already died.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Fire Service said it received a distress call at about 11:58am on Monday.
Its spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle, said the remains of the deceased were recovered and handed over to the community chairman, Mr. Sunday Nuha, for further necessary action
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