A bush fire on a private property in Irewolede, Ilorin, claimed the life of 73-year-old Pastor Samson Awolola on Monday morning.

The fire reportedly started when Pastor Awolola set bushes and grass ablaze on his land, which features an incomplete building, a perimeter fence, and a gated entrance.

It was gathered that the flames from his action spread rapidly, blocking the property’s only exit.

A labourer he had brought to assist managed to escape by scaling over the fence.

Residents said in a desperate attempt to escape, Pastor Awolola tried to leave through the fence but was trapped by the advancing fire.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze before it could spread to neighboring properties, but the victim could not be saved.

The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the development in a statement on Monday evening.

according to the Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, the service received a distress call at 11.58am.

He said, “The body of Pastor Awolola was recovered and handed over to the Community Chairman, Mr Sunday Nuha, for necessary follow-up.” (Daily Trust, but headline reworked)