Fire Outbreak Sparks Panic in OAU Moremi Hall

• By Abdulfatah Robiu

A fire outbreak caused by a gas explosion on Sunday evening threw residents of Moremi Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, into panic.

The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. at Block D, Room 104, when a student’s cooking activity reportedly led to a sudden flare-up.

Thick smoke quickly spread through the block, forcing students to scamper to safety.

Witnesses told OSUN DEFENDER that efforts to control the fire were hampered by lack of water in the hostel at the time of the incident. They also lamented the absence of functional fire extinguishers.

“We wanted to help, but there was neither water nor fire extinguisher anywhere,” a resident said, describing the early moments as chaotic.

Wardens were notified immediately, while the fire service was contacted. Although some students criticised what they described as a slow initial response, firefighters, assisted by Union officers, eventually brought the situation under control. Part of the outer brick wall had to be broken to suppress the flames.

In a statement released after calm was restored, the Chairperson of Moremi Hall, Ogunbayo Dorcas, confirmed that no injuries were recorded.

“The fire has been successfully put out, and thankfully, no injuries were recorded. The fire brigade and our Union officers acted swiftly, and the damage has been contained. Residents are advised to remain calm as assessments continue,” the statement read.

Further attempts to get additional comments from hall occupants were unsuccessful, as the Hall Chairperson instructed residents not to grant interviews to journalists.

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