Benin (Nigeria): The police command in Edo says it is investigating the cause of fire that killed a 60-year-old man, Etebet Oyemara, at his residence on Benso Street, off Okhoro Road, Benin City.
The command’s Spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, said the man’s wife also sustained severe burns in the fire that occurred at about midnight on Sunday.
Eyewitnesses said that an usher at a church in the area died while attempting to salvage property from the raging fire.
According to one of the tenants, his wife, who sustained severe burns in the incident, is currently receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
The tenants said Oyemara, his wife, and other occupants were trapped indoors as the fire spread rapidly, leaving them with little time to escape.
“While other tenants managed to flee, Oyemara was caught in the inferno in his bid to save household items.
“The blaze, which consumed valuables worth millions, reportedly left many tenants homeless,” the tenant said.
They appealed to the Edo Government and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent support.
It was gathered that a mass was held on Monday in memory of Oyemara, while arrangements were being made to convey his remains to his hometown in the eastern part of the country.
Officials from the state Fire Service and Guinness Nigeria Plc were said to put out the fire.