A nine-year-old boy reportedly caused a fire that destroyed his parents’ three-bedroom flat at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday.
According to Hakeem Adekunle, Head of Media and Publicity for the Kwara State Fire Service, the fire started when the child, while playing with matches, accidentally set a mattress on fire, which quickly spread through the house.
Adekunle also recounted a similar incident last year in Ilorin, where a young boy, in a bid to conceal his actions, ignited a firecracker and tossed it under a bed. The fire smoldered unnoticed while the family left the house, eventually consuming their home entirely.
“These incidents underscore the critical need for vigilance and fire safety education,” Adekunle said.
Call for Vigilance
Adekunle urged parents to educate children on the dangers of firecrackers and ensure their safe use, particularly as the festive season approaches. He stressed that the holiday period often leaves children unsupervised at home while parents are at work, increasing the risk of such accidents.
“Matches, lighters, and other flammable items should be kept out of children’s reach. Parents and guardians must actively teach their children about the dangers of playing with fire to prevent such tragedies,” he added.
The Fire Service emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety to avoid unnecessary disasters during the holiday season.
