Lagos, Nigeria – The serene Sunday morning at Christ Embassy Church’s headquarters in the Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State, was shattered by a devastating fire that engulfed the prominent religious edifice.
According to reports from worshippers and authorities on the scene, the blaze erupted unexpectedly, prompting swift responses from emergency services.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a sudden outbreak of flames, believed to have originated from an electrical spark within the building. As the fire rapidly spread, congregants and nearby residents raised the alarm, alerting local authorities and emergency responders.
Police swiftly cordoned off the area surrounding the church to maintain public safety and facilitate ongoing investigations into the cause of the fire. Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service mobilized to the scene, battling the inferno amidst efforts to prevent its escalation.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Permanent Secretary Femi Oke-Osanyintolu confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident. This fortunate outcome was attributed to the timely response of emergency services and the absence of congregants within the premises at the time of the fire.
“The building appeared deserted,” noted Oke-Osanyintolu, highlighting that the absence of worshippers likely mitigated potential human casualties. The timing of the fire, occurring before the start of Sunday services, further averted what could have been a more severe disaster.
Christ Embassy, renowned as one of Africa’s largest churches with a global footprint, is led by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
The organization’s headquarters in Lagos serves as a focal point for its extensive community activities and religious services. The fire incident marks a significant disruption for the church community, prompting an outpouring of concern and support from members and well-wishers worldwide.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, authorities remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of the premises. Additional firefighting resources have been deployed to fully extinguish any remaining hotspots and prevent potential flare-ups.
While the full extent of the damage to the Christ Embassy headquarters is yet to be assessed, the prompt response of emergency services has been credited with minimizing the impact of the fire. As the investigation progresses, the church and its leadership are expected to provide further updates to their global congregation regarding the incident and plans for recovery.
In the face of adversity, the resilience and community spirit of Christ Embassy are expected to shine through, as efforts are directed towards rebuilding and restoring the iconic headquarters to its former glory.