A devastating late-night fire in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has left one person dead and a residential building completely destroyed.

The tragic incident occurred around 11:38 p.m. on Thursday along Coca-Cola Road in the Lafia Hotel area.

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the affected property was a short-let apartment building, not a conventional residential home.

The structure consisted of two flats, each containing three bedrooms. All six rooms were severely damaged as flames rapidly engulfed the building.

Fire officials confirmed that the victim, an unidentified 52-year-old man, lost his life in the inferno.

Authorities said the building was heavily filled with smoke when the fire broke out, making escape extremely difficult for occupants.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire outbreak in Ilorin was triggered by a power surge immediately after electricity supply was restored.

The sudden surge reportedly caused sparks that led to the rapid spread of flames across the apartment.

Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, deploying three fire trucks to contain the blaze.

The Federal Fire Service also provided additional support. Firefighters were able to bring the situation under control within minutes, preventing further damage to nearby properties.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, expressed deep concern over the loss of life.

He urged property owners—especially operators of short-let apartments—to prioritise electrical safety measures, install surge protectors, and conduct regular wiring inspections to prevent similar tragedies.

This incident adds to recent emergency cases recorded in Ilorin, raising renewed concerns about electrical safety and fire prevention across residential and commercial buildings in Kwara State.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while residents have been advised to remain vigilant and report electrical faults promptly to avoid future disasters.