Midnight Fire Kills 17-Year-Old in Ugborodo Community

A devastating fire outbreak in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly caused by an electrical malfunction has claimed the life of a 17-year-old boy and destroyed several properties in Aruntun-Escravos, Ugborodo Community, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident occurred at about 12:01 a.m. within the family compound of Mr. David E., a member of Goshen Baptist Church, Aruntun. The inferno razed three buildings in the compound, affecting about seven apartments, including a laundry store stocked with equipment. Items lost to the fire include freezers, fish, a generator, clothing, important documents and other household valuables, leaving affected families with nothing salvaged.

The victim, Moses Utienyin, aged 17, was confirmed dead in the incident. His mother, popularly known as Madam Quarker, was among those devastated by the tragedy. Residents, mostly women, were seen at the scene in distress as locals mobilised to contain the fire before it spread further.

Reacting to the incident in a chat with Warri Sentinel News, the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Ogidigben, Pastor Omamuli Okonedo, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and extended condolences to the Utienyin family and other residents affected by the fire. He acknowledged the pain within the community and commended locals for their swift efforts in responding to the emergency.

Also present at the scene was Rev. Moses Erewa, the resident pastor of Goshen Baptist Church, Aruntun, which operates under First Baptist Church, Ogidigben. Community members were largely responsible for bringing the fire under control, as no official emergency responders were immediately available at the time of the outbreak.

The church leadership also called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire to prevent future occurrences. Pastor Okonedo urged the community to remain calm, united and prayerful, while supporting the grieving family and avoiding the spread of unverified information.

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