A devastating fire broke out in Abeokuta early Saturday, claiming the life of an 80-year-old woman named Mariam Salako. The tragic incident occurred at a residential building located at No. 28 Ifelodun Ago Ka area. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident, detailing the events that led to the loss of life and property.
SP Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, shared that the police received a distress call around 1:00 a.m. reporting a house fire in the Ago Ka area.
“Around 1:00 a.m., a distress call was made regarding a building on fire located at No. 28 Ifelodun Ago Ka area in Abeokuta,” she said.
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In response, the Area Commander quickly led a team of police officers to the scene, while notifying the Ogun State Fire Service for urgent assistance. The firefighters arrived promptly and were able to bring the blaze under control, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. However, despite their efforts, the life of Mariam Salako could not be saved.
“Unfortunately, an elderly woman, Mariam Salako, aged 80, who lived in the building, was unable to escape and died in the fire incident,” Odutola reported.
She added that the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, and authorities are working to determine what led to the blaze.
Another resident, identified as Baba Ali, was also caught in the fire but survived thanks to the quick actions of community members.
“A man known as Baba Ali, whose age is not yet identified, was asleep during the fire and was rescued through the window by community members,” Odutola explained.
His swift rescue provided a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.
The remains of Mariam Salako have been taken to the morgue as investigations continue into the cause of the fire.