Midnight inferno destroys property worth millions at Akure C&S church

By Boye Oyeyemi

A Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Irapada Kristi, located on Eleye Street in Akure, Ondo State, was razed by a midnight fire on Monday, destroying property valued at several millions of naira.

Residents said the fire broke out around 2 a.m., adding that the flames reportedly started from the centre of the church before spreading rapidly and engulfing the entire building.

Eyewitnesses said residents mobilised to the scene and attempted to contain the inferno with buckets of water, but the fire had intensified before it could be brought under control.

“People in the neighbourhood tried their best to put out the fire with buckets of water, but the blaze had already spread beyond what we could handle,” an eyewitness said.

The prophetess in charge of the church, popularly known as Iya Ewe, said the cause of the fire remained unknown, explaining that she locked up the church on Sunday night without leaving any naked flame behind.

“I left the church after the service and ensured there was no naked fire. The electrical wiring has been in use for years without any problem, so I cannot say what caused the incident,” she said.

She, however, expressed suspicion that the building might have been deliberately set ablaze, alleging that the pattern of the fire suggested the possible use of a flammable substance. She added that the inferno destroyed church property worth millions of naira.

No casualties or injuries were recorded in the incident, although efforts to get the Ondo State Fire Service to the scene were unsuccessful. The cause of the fire has yet to be officially determined.