Tragedy struck at Lafia Hotel in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday night as a man died in a fire that engulfed an apartment used for short-term lets.
The incident occurred around 11:38 pm at the hotel located along Coca-Cola Road. The victim, who remains unidentified, was reportedly burnt beyond recognition.
Investigations suggest that the man had been staying in the room of a female occupant, allegedly engaged in commercial sex, possibly to spend the night. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the woman had stepped out to buy some items and locked the man inside, citing hotel rules that prohibit women from keeping men overnight.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have launched an investigation, but the hotel has since been abandoned by all occupants linked to commercial sex activities.
The fire, reportedly triggered by a power surge, affected a two-storey building with two flats, each containing three bedrooms. Smoke quickly filled the building, making escape extremely difficult for residents.
Hassan Adekunle, the spokesman for the Kwara State Fire Service, said, “Preliminary findings show that the fire started shortly after electricity was restored, leading to rapid spread across the building. Firefighters responded promptly and brought the fire under control by 11:51 pm.”
Authorities are continuing investigations to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the fatal blaze and to prevent future occurrences.