• No cause for alarm, says Ogun Govt

Panic broke out at the venue of the ongoing Gateway Games 2024 on Tuesday afternoon after a diesel truck supplying fuel to a power generator caught fire.

The incident occurred at the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja, Abeokuta, affecting nearby shops and a kiosk located near the entrance of the facility.

The fire destroyed several businesses, leaving traders counting their losses.

Although no lives were lost, the driver of the diesel truck sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital.

Members of the Local Organising Committee quickly arrived at the scene to assess the damage once the fire was brought under control.

One committee member, who asked not to be named because he wasn’t authorised to speak on the matter, said, “We are doing what is necessary by taking the details of the affected traders. We thank God there was no casualty, and we will surely do what is right.”

Firefighters confirmed they received the distress call at 3:29 p.m. and responded swiftly.

Despite the incident, events at the venue continued without disruption.

Handball matches, badminton and squash games going on at the venue were concluded without any disruption.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State government has assured athletes participating in the festival as well as the residents of the state, of their safety, following the explosion.

Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, said that while there was an incident involving a diesel tanker that resulted in a fire outbreak, the fire was immediately put out to prevent any damage.

Akinmade commended the promptness and pro-activeness of the fire service in the state and the vigilance of officials at the complex, assuring participants at the sports festival of total safety.

"The incident this afternoon involving a gas tanker close to one of our facilities for the National Sports Festival was very unfortunate. We thank God that the fire was immediately put out to avert any casualties.

"To this end, we want to assure all our athletes and the people of the state of safety and that there is no cause for alarm as the situation is under absolute control ", the statement read.