An inferno has engulfed the headquarters of Christ Embassy Church located in the Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State.
An eyewitness confirmed this to Channels Television. Multiple videos on X have also shown the massive edifice being destroyed by fire.
The fire which broke out in the early hours of Sunday caused significant damage to the church property, sending shock waves throughout the immediate community and beyond.
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service are also said to have arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire.
The police have cordoned off the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The church is headed by influential pastor, Chris Oyakhilome.
‘It’s under control’
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Fire Rescue Service has called for calm, assuring Lagosians that the fire is under control.
In a voice note sent to our reporter, the Director of the Service, Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, said firefighting is ongoing, adding that no life is involved.
She also said that they would give an update after the firefighting.
“This is to tell Lagosians to be calm, the fire outbreak at Christ Embassy headquarters in Ikeja is under control right now. As at the time of the voice note, no life was involved.
“The fire is under control, at the end of the firefighting, we will update the report. Let us be calm, firefighting is ongoing and it is under control,” she said.
According to Adeseye, the fire outbreak was reported at 07:27. She added that firefighting units from Alausa and Ikeja fire stations were promptly dispatched and arrived at the scene by 07:36 hours.
“The church auditorium was found to be engulfed in flames. The fire is currently under control.
“In addition, the excavator is being used to pull down some parts of the building to ensure complete extinguishment and to prevent further structural collapse.
“The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigations are underway to ascertain its origin. No casualties have been reported at this time. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
