The Edo State Police Command says it is investigating the cause of a midnight fire that claimed the life of a 60-year-old man, Mr. Etebet Oyemara, at his residence on Benso Street, off Okhoro Road, Benin City.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident on Sunday, adding that Oyemara’s wife sustained severe burns and is receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Eyewitnesses said the deceased, who served as an usher in a nearby church, lost his life while trying to salvage property from the raging inferno.
According to one of the tenants, the fire spread rapidly, trapping Oyemara, his wife, and other occupants inside. While other tenants managed to escape, Oyemara was caught in the flames in his attempt to save household belongings.
The blaze destroyed valuables worth millions of naira and rendered several tenants homeless.
“We appeal to the Edo Government and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent support,” one of the affected tenants said.
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 Edo State Fire Service, supported by personnel from Guinness Nigeria Plc, eventually put out the fire.
