A young woman whose identity is yet to be established has lost her life following a devastating fire that engulfed a residential building in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, during the early hours of Monday.
The incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. on Nabor Street, off Ikpa Road, where a four-room apartment was reportedly destroyed by the blaze. Another occupant of the building, identified as Lawrence Nya, sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
According to eyewitness accounts, the compound's landlady, Patricia Udoukpo, noticed thick smoke coming from one of the apartments and immediately raised the alarm.
Udoukpo reportedly attempted to open the apartment's iron burglary-proof door to rescue the occupant but was unable to do so after receiving an electric shock, forcing her to retreat.
Neighbours later managed to rescue Nya from the burning apartment. However, after he was brought to safety, he informed those at the scene that a female guest was still trapped inside the building.
Despite efforts by residents, the intensity of the fire prevented anyone from reaching the woman before the flames consumed the apartment.
According to reports, Nya told investigators that he had met the woman at a nightclub the previous evening and did not know her full identity. Authorities are therefore working to establish her identity and notify her family.
Although the exact cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed, some eyewitnesses believe the blaze may have started after an electric scooter battery was left charging overnight. A burnt electric scooter was reportedly recovered from the scene.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has cautioned that the cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed that one person died in the fire while another sustained injuries. She stated that investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the blaze and identify the deceased woman.
The incident highlights the importance of electrical safety, particularly when charging batteries and electronic devices indoors. Safety experts generally advise using approved chargers, avoiding overnight charging where possible, and ensuring electrical equipment is kept away from flammable materials to reduce the risk of fire.
The police have urged anyone with information that could assist in identifying the deceased woman to cooperate with investigators as inquiries continue.
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