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Odosida Area, in Ondo West Local Government area of Ondo State, was thrown into pandemonium in the early hours of Tuesday as some shops and a private secondary secondary school, located in the area was razed down by fire.
The inferno, which was said to have started at about 6: am, resulted in the destruction of personal property and some vital documents owned by the affected school.
However, no life was lost in the incident.
Although the cause of the fire is still sketchy as at the time of filing this report, speculations are rife that the fire occurred shortly after some group of boys who drove in a Toyota Camry, stormed the area with dangerous weapons at about 5am, setting the place ablaze.
It was reliably gathered that the hoodlums, had blocked the major road in the street, shot sporadically and set the shop ablaze.
The hoodlums were said to have been led by one boy, who engaged in an argument with his brother, identified as Rotimi, over the property of their late father.
However, it was further learnt that the hoodlums, had earlier broken into a bear pallour in the area and brought out bear and liquor for people to drink, before setting the shops ablaze.
Items said to have been destroyed by the ferocious fire, which lasted for nearly three hours included dresses, documents, items of electronics, mattresses, food stuff, furnishing equipment, cake, dressing materials, traditional dresses, shoes, among others.
When DAILY POST correspondent arrived at the scene of the incident, officials of the Ondo State fire service were seen making frantic effort to quench the fire.
Similarly, some youths, mainly Okada riders and other residents of the area were also sighted assisting the fire officers in an attempt at salvaging some personal effects of the victims.
Some victims of the fire incident, including the Principal of the affected school, who gave his name as Nelson Akinkuade, lamented that he lost several documents in the fire.
Speaking on the incident, one of the eye witnesses, who claimed to be a resident of the area, Mrs Shola Osayindoro, said she was informed about the incident about 6: 30am by one of the parents of the school children.
She added that when she got to the place, flame of fire was sighted from the roof of the school building.
Similarly, one of the eye witnesses, who craved anonymity, said an argument had ensued two days ago between one Mr Rotimi, who is also one of the shop owners in the place, and his brother.
He called on the security operatives in the area to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book.
In an interview with one of the victims, Mrs. Kikelomo Akinbobola, whose shop was gutted by the fire, she described the incident as sad.
She explained that some group of boys had stormed the place two days ago and threatened to set one of the shops ablaze.
When contacted on the matter, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Enuowa police station in Ondo town, Mr. Emmanuel Adesina, a Chief Superintendent of Police, confirmed the report of the incident.
He explained further that two suspects, who were arrested by the police, were still in custody.
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