A nine-year-old boy in Ilorin, Kwara State, inadvertently set his family’s three-bedroom flat ablaze while playing with matches.
The fire, which erupted on Thursday, occurred at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate and caused significant damage to the property.
The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday.
The agency’s spokesman, Hassan Adekunle, attributed the fire to the child’s unsupervised handling of matches, which ignited a mattress and quickly spread throughout the house.
Adekunle urged parents and guardians to exercise caution during the holiday season, especially when children are home with limited supervision.
“We strongly advise the public to keep matches, lighters, and other flammable materials out of children’s reach. Educating children on the dangers of playing with fire is crucial,” he said.
In his warning, Adekunle highlighted past incidents to emphasize the importance of fire safety.
He recalled a tragic case where a child, panicked at the sound of his father’s car returning home, hastily lit a firecracker and hid it under a bed.
The family later locked up and left the house, unaware of the smoldering fire, which eventually consumed their home.
“This devastating incident underscores the need for vigilance and proactive safety measures,” Adekunle added.
As the festive season approaches, the fire service has also cautioned against the reckless use of firecrackers, commonly known as “bangers,” which are popular among children.
“Parents must ensure firecrackers are used responsibly, if at all, to prevent avoidable tragedies,” the statement emphasized.
The Kwara State Fire Service called on residents to prioritize safety to avert further incidents of this nature, particularly during the holiday period.
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