Woman Dies, Student Injured As Fire Guts Uyo Apartment
Early Morning Fire Claims One Life in Uyo
A young woman has lost her life while a student sustained injuries after a fire razed a four-room apartment along Nabor Street, off Ikpa Road in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in the early hours of Monday.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the blaze, although some residents alleged that an electric scooter battery left charging overnight may have ignited the fire. Police say investigations are ongoing and no official cause has been established.
Landlady Recounts Rescue Efforts
The owner of the property, Mrs. Patricia Udoukpo, said she woke around 4:30 a.m. after noticing thick smoke billowing from one of the apartments occupied by tenants.
According to her, she initially thought food had been left unattended before hearing cries for help from one of the occupants, Lawrence Nya, a student.
Mrs. Udoukpo said she immediately raised the alarm to alert neighbours and attempted to rescue the trapped tenant. However, her efforts were hampered after she received an electric shock while trying to force open the iron burglary-proof door protecting the room.
Residents eventually succeeded in rescuing the injured student, but by then the fire had intensified and spread through the apartment.
Victim Could Not Be Rescued
After being brought to safety, Mr. Nya reportedly informed rescuers that a young woman remained trapped inside the burning room.
Despite frantic efforts by neighbours, the victim could not be reached before the flames engulfed the apartment. She was later confirmed dead at the scene.
Residents said the student informed them that he had met the woman at a nightclub the previous night and was unable to provide her identity.
The inferno destroyed household property, including furniture and personal belongings, while a burnt electric scooter was recovered from the affected room. Three other rooms occupied by students also suffered extensive damage.
Police Launch Investigation
Police officers evacuated the deceased’s remains to a mortuary, while the injured student was taken to hospital for treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command said one female adult died while a male occupant survived the fire.
Police spokesperson DSP Timfon John stated that efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased and establish the exact cause of the incident.
Meanwhile, the devastated landlady lamented the destruction of the apartments, describing them as her primary source of livelihood after the death of her husband.
The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over recurring fire outbreaks in Uyo, where several properties have been destroyed by similar incidents in recent months.
