A fire outbreak has destroyed the auditorium of Evangelical Church Winning All Goodnews Church, off Ashaka Road in Gombe, with church officials estimating losses at over ₦100 million.
The blaze, which occurred at about 8:21 p.m. on Tuesday, was contained through the combined efforts of the Federal Fire Service, Gombe State Fire Service, and the Gombe State University Fire Station, preventing the inferno from spreading to other parts of the church complex and neighbouring buildings.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Gombe State Command, ASF Bashir Muazu, said personnel from the Mega Pack Fire Station responded immediately after receiving the distress call.
“The timely intervention, professionalism, and commitment displayed by the firefighting teams were instrumental in minimising losses and safeguarding lives and property,” Muazu said.
He added that the command remained committed to protecting lives, property and the environment while urging residents to observe fire safety measures and promptly report emergencies.
Eyewitnesses said the church’s Bible study had ended around 6:00 p.m., after which the auditorium was locked.
At about 8:00 p.m., a security guard reportedly noticed smoke billowing from the roof while on duty. He immediately alerted the Minister-in-Charge and other church members, who mobilised alongside residents to battle the fire before firefighters arrived.
Despite the efforts of volunteers, the fire spread rapidly, destroying the pulpit, choir stand, musical instruments, worship equipment, the ceiling, roofing and other valuables inside the auditorium.
The Minister-in-Charge of the church, Rev. Dr. Gideon Danbauchi, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost.
“We thank God that no life was lost. This is a painful setback for the church, but our faith remains strong. By God’s grace, we will rebuild,” he said.
Danbauchi also commended the Federal Fire Service, the Gombe State Fire Service and residents who joined the rescue efforts, noting that their swift response prevented greater devastation.
He appealed to church members, well-wishers and the Christian community to support the rebuilding of the damaged worship centre.
Also speaking, the church’s Technical Director, Mr. Olatunji Daniel, said he rushed to the scene after receiving distress calls and seeing thick smoke rising into the sky.
“By the time I arrived, the church was locked, so volunteers had to break the windows to gain access. Unfortunately, the intensity of the fire overwhelmed every effort to stop it before the firefighters arrived,” he said.
Although the exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially determined, eyewitnesses believe it may have been triggered by an electrical fault.
Church officials said a comprehensive assessment of the damage is ongoing, but preliminary estimates put the value of destroyed property at more than ₦100 million.
