A Catholic Priest, Rev. Edmund Nwagbala, aged 60, of St. Peter Claver Catholic Parish, Odida Nnew ichi in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State has been gutted by fire.
Blueprint learnt that the inferno whose source could not be ascertained as at press time emanated from the room where late Nwagbala was probably sleeping at about 4am. on Saturday before escalating to other parts of the parish house.
A source, Mr Philip Polapo, said, “This is more than fire outbreak. The Fire Service and the Police should know better. Fr Edmund is, or was my classmate. There was no light in the whole neighbourhood throughout the whole day.
“Explosion that shifted the wall of his room, broke several windows to pieces and took out the roof is not ordinary fire. Edmund has no chance. Police and Fire Service, biko dig deep.”
Confirming the unfortunate incident, the Director, Anambra state fire service, Engr. Martin Agbili, said his men had been deployed to the fire scene to contain the situation.
Agbili, who also confirmed that the Parish Priest lost his life to the fire outbreak, disclosed that the deceased was at the room where the fire incident emanated.
“The cause of the fire incident is unknown. As at the time of this report, the corpse has been taking away by ambulance,” he added.
On his part, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Anambra state Command, Mr Haruna Muhammed said the inferno affected part of the Church residential building.
According to Muhammed, “The police patrol teams attached to Otolo Division led by the DPO visited the scene and Fire Service department was equally alerted. They responded promptly and put off the fire before it escalates.
“The victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention but certified dead on arrival by the medical doctor and corpse deposited at the mortuary for postmortem examination. The Commissioner of Police, CP John B.Abang, has ordered for a discreet investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident.”
