A devastating fire erupted at the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), National Theatre Complex in Iganmu, Lagos, resulting in the tragic deaths of four cows and three goats. The blaze, ignited by a gas cylinder explosion, threatened to engulf the nearby Artistes Village in Iganmu.
Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Public Affairs, Amodu Shakiru, disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria that swift action by firefighters prevented further destruction. “Property, including four cows and three goats, is suspected to have perished in the fire. Firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the inferno, which ravaged the National Council of Arts and Culture’s property,” Shakiru lamented.
The National Theatre’s loss, situated opposite the Artistes Village, marks a grievous blow. Despite the devastation, there were no human casualties reported as a result of this tragic incident.
The flames not only consumed livestock but also threatened invaluable cultural and artistic assets, underscoring the broader impact of the calamity. The NCAC’s significant role in promoting and preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage emphasizes the profound repercussions of this disaster.
As authorities investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage, the cultural community and concerned citizens stand in solidarity, mourning the loss of life and heritage. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the precarious nature of our cultural institutions and the importance of safeguarding these irreplaceable treasures.
