Adeboye foresees more fire disasters in 2025

By Oluwadamilola Akinduro & Ayodele Popoola
…as FRSC records devastating fire accidents nationwide
Amid rising fire incidents across Nigeria, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has warned that Nigerians must be vigilant to avert worst fire outbreaks in human history this year.
He noted that other nations in the world also must remain vigilant against fire hazards, particularly bush burning and electrical faults.
Speaking at the church’s monthly thanksgiving service, tagged Covenant-Keeping God, held at the Redemption Camp along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Adeboye highlighted the devastating impact of recent fire outbreaks worldwide.
He cited fire incidents in the United States and multiple tanker explosions across Nigeria as alarming examples of fire disasters.
Recall that many states in the country have been experiencing increased incidents of fire disasters including tanker explosions in recent times, resulting in unprecedented tragic loss of lives and property damage. These incidents have raised significant concerns among both citizens and authorities.
Reports indicate that in 2020 alone, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded 1,531 fuel tanker accidents, resulting in over 535 deaths. More recently, from September 2024 to date, at least 265 people have lost their lives in various tanker-related explosions across the country.
One of the most recent incidents occurred in Jigawa State, where a fuel tanker caught fire while offloading at Shakatu Filling Station along Kiyawa Road in Dutse. The fire, which started around 8:30 pm, spread rapidly, causing panic among residents and commuters. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Eyewitnesses recalled a similar tragedy in Majia town, Taura Local Government area, just a few months prior, where a tanker explosion claimed about 200 lives.
In another heartbreaking incident, a petrol tanker accident in Enugu State resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The explosion, which occurred at Ugwu Onyeama Federal Highway, also destroyed several vehicles.
Barely a week earlier, a devastating tanker explosion in Niger State on January 18, 2025, reportedly killed about 100 people.
According to eye witnesses, locals had rushed to scoop fuel when the tanker suddenly caught fire, triggering a massive explosion.
This was not the first of such tragedy in Niger State. On September 8, 2024, another tanker explosion claimed over 100 lives on the Lapai-Agaie road, where at least 50 cattle were also burnt. That incident was caused by a collision between a petrol tanker and a trailer carrying passengers and livestock.
Further incidents across the country have painted a grim picture. In November, a tanker explosion at Gamoji, along the Kano-Maiduguri highway, resulted in multiple fatalities.
December saw another explosion in Agbor, Delta State, killing at least five people and destroying homes and businesses. Most recently, on January 14, 2025, a tanker explosion at the Epe-Ijebu Odeyemi expressway added to the growing list of tragedies.
Also, on January 25, 2025, another tanker exploded at Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Reacting to the Niger State explosion, Governor Umar Bago described the incident as deeply tragic, underscoring the need for stricter safety measures in fuel transportation across the country.
With these recurring disasters, calls for improved road safety regulations, stricter enforcement, and better emergency response mechanisms continue to grow. Many Nigerians are demanding urgent action to prevent further loss of lives and property.
Pastor Adeboye advised Nigerians to pray against fire outbreaks, as he had foretold in his prophecies for the year, while also taking proactive steps to prevent them.
Beyond fire safety, Adeboye emphasised the significance and implications of covenants.
He distinguished between covenants and contracts, noting that while contracts are signed with a pen, covenants are sealed with blood.
Using examples of individuals who joined cult groups for various reasons, he warned that violating the rules of such associations often leads to fatal consequences.
He further stated that those in a covenant with God would enjoy all the blessings associated with Him unconditionally.
Adeboye, therefore, encouraged Christian faithful to enter into a covenant with God and uphold their commitments faithfully.