A fire outbreak occurred in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday, December 5, 2024, after a 9-year-old boy accidentally set his family’s three-bedroom bungalow ablaze while playing with matches.
According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the fire started when the boy ignited a mattress in the compound, which quickly spread to other parts of the house. The fire service confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists on Friday and signed by the Principal Fire Officer and the Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle.
Adekunle said, “The Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, Ilorin, where a three-bedroom flat was nearly destroyed.
“The fire was caused by a nine-year-old child playing with matches, which ignited a mattress and escalated the blaze.”
“We strongly urge the public to prioritise safety at all times, especially as children spend their holiday at home with limited supervision while many parents are at work. Parents and guardians are advised to be vigilant of their children.
“As the festive season approaches, we must emphasize the dangers of firecrackers, commonly known as bangers.
The fire service confirmed that the fire completely destroyed one bedroom, the kitchen, and the balcony of the building.
Reports revealed that no lives were lost in the fire outbreak. However, the fire service has warned parents and guardians to educate their children on the dangers of playing with fire and to keep matches, lighters, and other flammable materials out of their reach.
“Parents must educate their children on the dangers of firecrackers and ensure they are used responsibly, if at all. Let us all work together to prevent such tragedies this festive season,”the fire service stated.
