Several firefighters of the Osun State Fire Service were violently attacked by angry residents following what they perceived as a delayed response to a fire incident in Osogbo. Witnesses explained that although fire personnel had been alerted promptly, their initial response was hampered by inadequate water supplies, forcing them to return for replenishment—a situation that severely disappointed residents as the blaze intensified during their absence.
The uproar escalated when frustrated onlookers accused the firefighters of slow intervention and neglect, resorting to pelting them and their fire trucks with stones. In at least one case, the protest turned destructive, with reports of vehicles being damaged and equipment vandalised—an outcome that deeply alarmed state fire service officials.
Commenting on the episode, the Director of the Osun State Fire Service, Mr Michael Ogundipe, acknowledged the importance of timely response and stressed that civil awareness remains pivotal. He acknowledged that firefighting personnel are often ready and willing, but constrained by limited resources and logistical challenges. He likewise urged residents to report incidents immediately to avoid escalation and prevent misunderstandings.
Responses from residents varied: some praised the courage and efforts of firefighters once they arrived, while others criticised how intermittently available their services appeared. Many highlighted persistent issues — from a shortage of service points that prolong travel times to a lack of reliable firefighting equipment. The fire service reportedly has only a handful of functional trucks for the entire state, with many grounded due to disrepair.
Experts and civic groups have decried these incidents as a breakdown in trust and civic responsibility. Calls have since intensified for the state government to invest in modern firefighting infrastructure, establish more satellite stations across major communities, and strengthen public education on emergency response protocols. Without such measures, attacks on lifesaving responders risk becoming more frequent, placing both first responders and lives at greater risk.
