Early Sunday morning, a fire broke out at a hotel in Benin City, sadly causing three people to lose their lives.
According to the DAILY POST, the fire started around 4 a.m. on June 23, 2024, on the first floor of the Cibeles Luxury Hotel. The hotel is located at 9 Emoavwodua Street, near Limit Road, off Sapele Road.
The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, shared the names of the victims: Bright Amechi, Michael Awowea, and Cynthia Ogiugo.
Nwabuzor also mentioned that several people have been taken into custody in relation to the fire.
He said the victims were resting in their rooms when the fire began.
When the fire started, the police contacted the Edo State Fire Service, who came quickly and put out the fire. Sadly, three people were found unconscious because they breathed in too much smoke.
“The three individuals were quickly taken to two hospitals—the Edo State Specialist Hospital and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Unfortunately, Bright Amechi and Michael Awowea were pronounced dead at UBTH.
“Cynthia Ogiugo was declared dead at the Edo State Specialist Hospital. Their bodies are now at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital mortuary in Benin City.
“Emmanuel Ogunyemi, the supervisor working when the fire happened, said the fire started from one of the rooms on the first floor, which was occupied by a guest.
“The guest in that room, Andrew Roberts from Sapele Road, Benin City, said the fire was caused by an electrical issue with the air conditioner in his room,” Nwabuzor explained.
He added that the police have arrested some people in connection with the fire and are investigating to find out who is responsible.
The management of the hotel has taken responsibility for the incident. They have agreed to cover all the costs for the victims’ funerals.
While the hotel management has not officially spoken about the incident, a source who didn’t want to be named said the hotel also agreed to buy a piece of land for Cynthia Ogiugo’s burial.