A midnight fire has claimed the life of Oyemara Etebet, a 60-year-old church usher, in Benin City, Edo State.

The fire broke out on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Etebet’s residence on Bensoo Street, destroying property worth millions of naira.

Etebet, who also headed the electrical unit at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Okhoro, was said to have been trapped while trying to save belongings from the raging flames. Sadly, he could not make it out alive.

His wife, who also sustained severe burns during the incident, is currently receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

The tragic loss has left both his church and the wider Okhoro community in mourning. Residents described him as a dedicated servant of God and a humble family man.

Officials of the Edo State Fire Service were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. However, the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, said:

“It is confirmed. One 60-year-old, Etebet Oyemara, lost his life in the fire. Investigation is ongoing to unravel the cause of the incident.”