A 9-year-old child has set his father’s three-bedroom flat ablaze in Ilorin, Kwara State, while playing with matches. The incident occurred on Thursday at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, causing significant damage to the property.
Hassan Adekunle, spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, confirmed that the fire started when the child ignited a mattress while playing with matches. The fire spread quickly, nearly destroying the entire flat.
Adekunle urged the public to prioritize safety, particularly with children spending more time at home during the holiday season and limited supervision while parents are at work. He advised parents to keep flammable items such as matches and lighters out of children’s reach and educate them about fire hazards.
As the festive season approaches, he also warned against the dangers of firecrackers, sharing a tragic reminder of a previous incident where a child’s misuse of a firecracker led to the complete destruction of a home.
The fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety to prevent such tragedies during the holidays.
