Disaster was averted at Community Primary School, Oke Ayo, Odo Ona, Ibadan in the capital city of Oyo State when the school caught fire on Thursday morning.
Neighbours and other residents quickly came to the assistance of pupils and teachers at the Oyo State government-owned school.
“We just noticed smoke coming from the unused classroom in the morning but before anybody could think of what to do, it resulted in a big fire. Only God saved the children today and thanks to the area boys who were the first responder to the fire
“Before fire-fighters arrived, the area boys around the place came to the children’s rescue and prevented the inferno from spreading to other classrooms,” the witness who did not want his name in print said.
Speaking on the cause of the fire, the eyewitness said the area boys who saved the day could also be accused of causing the fire.
“To be candid and honest with you, the fire was caused by the area boys, who later saved the day by rescuing the pupils.
“Because of the lack of security, most of the area boys usually go and smoke Indian hemp in the school even during school hours and we think it is the cause of the fire since no noticeable cause could be seen around the area,” the anonymous witness submitted.
What would have caused another rancor in the area was averted by Honorable Olusesi Idris, a former Councilor in the area who intervened in the clash between the men of the Oyo State Fire Service and the people of the area.
“People have almost extinguished the fire before the arrival of the men of Oyo State Fire Service and the area boys started to foment trouble accusing them of responding late.
“Thanks to Honorable Olusesi Idris who was able to control the situation before it got out of hand,” the anonymous witness added.
Packaged by Taiwo Olatunji
