225 lives saved, ₦925bn properties recovered in 2024 – Kwara Fire Service

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin –

The Kwara State Fire Service has announced that it rescued 225 lives and saved property worth over ₦925 billion in the year 2024, as part of its core mandate to protect lives and property across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Head of Department, Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle, on behalf of the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service. The report, made available to Western Post on Tuesday in Ilorin, also revealed that four lives were lost during the period under review.

According to the data, the estimated value of property saved stood at ₦925,440,076,000, while losses were estimated at ₦1,723,810,000.

The Service responded to a total of 125 emergency calls in 2024, which included 117 fire incidents and eight special service calls.

Adekunle noted that there had been a significant reduction in the number of fire incidents and casualties compared to previous years, attributing the improvement to increased public sensitization and awareness campaigns carried out by the agency.

He, however, identified inadequate manpower as one of the major challenges affecting the agency’s operations and effectiveness.

The fire service spokesperson also appealed to residents to desist from attacking firefighters during rescue missions, urging continued cooperation from the public to enhance service delivery and emergency response.