An inferno trapped worshippers at an assembly of the Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday night.
Witnesses said the fire broke out about 9:30 pm at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, in the Lagelu Local Government Area.
The church was said to be preparing to commence a vigil service when the fire broke out.
One source told the Punch, “The incident happened in the night around 9:30pm. I think they were having Friday vigil. Some worshippers had already slept off, to have some rest before they start vigil when the incident happened.”
It is not certain if there was any casualty, but a witness said an aged woman was in the church during the incident and could not run. Her fate is unknown.
“There was an aged woman, very old to the extent that she could not walk properly. She was still inside the church when the fire was raging seriously,” the witness said.
A church member, who requested anonymity, said, “People were still inside the church during the fire . I will get back to you later, please.”
As of the time of reporting, the exact cause of the fire remains unclear.
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, said, “Our men were there based on information from one Kunle Junaid.”
He promised to provide further updates.
