The Legislative Chamber of Irepodun Local Government Area in Omu-Aran, Kwara State was gutted by fire.

The PUNCH reports that the incident occurred at about 10:01 pm on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Irepodun Legislative Complex located along Olomu Road, Omu-Aran.

Confirming the incident in a statement released on Saturday the Public Relations Officer and Head of Media Unit PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle (MBA) said the fire affected the Legislative Chamber and four offices within the complex before firefighters arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

According to him “A preliminary investigation by the Fire Service attributed the cause of the fire to a power surge, which ignited electrical installations and combustible materials inside the affected offices.

“The prompt response of personnel helped to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the legislative complex and adjoining buildings, the statement reads in part.”

The statement quoted the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Chief Fire Service Officer (CFS) Alabi Muhammed cautioning government institutions and public offices across the state against poor electrical safety practices.

“Government offices and institutions must prioritise electrical safety measures, including the installation of surge protectors, use of standard electrical fittings, and regular inspection and maintenance of wiring systems,” Alabi said.

He stressed that strict adherence to safety standards in public buildings was necessary to prevent the disruption of governance activities and the loss of critical public assets.

Alabi said the Fire Service, remains committed to protecting lives, public infrastructure, and property across Kwara State.

The latest incident adds to a series of fire outbreaks recorded in different parts of Kwara State in recent months, many of which have been linked to electrical faults and power surges.

In December 2025, a fire outbreak reportedly destroyed shops at a popular market in Ilorin, while another incident earlier in the year gutted sections of a residential building in the state capital, leaving several families displaced.

Fire outbreaks have also been recorded in some government offices and private establishments, raising concerns about the state of electrical infrastructure, especially during periods of unstable power supply.

The Kwara State Fire Service has repeatedly warned residents, business owners, and public institutions to take preventive measures, including switching off electrical appliances when not in use and ensuring professional handling of electrical installations. (The PUNCH)

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