A nine-year-old boy set his father’s three-bedroom flat ablaze in Ilorin, Kwara State, while playing with matches on Thursday.
The incident, which occurred at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, Ilorin, nearly razed the entire property.
In a statement issued on Friday, the spokesman for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, attributed the fire to the child’s reckless handling of matches. According to him, the matches ignited a mattress, which caused the fire to escalate rapidly.
“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,” Adekunle said.
The fire service advised parents and guardians to ensure matches, lighters, and other flammable materials are kept out of children’s reach and to educate them on the dangers of fire.
Adekunle also used the opportunity to caution against the use of firecrackers, commonly known as “bangers,” particularly as the festive season draws near.
He recalled a previous incident in which a young boy ignited a firecracker out of fear of being scolded after hearing his father’s car approach.
“Panicked and afraid of being scolded, he quickly lit a firecracker and tossed it under the bed, thinking it would remain hidden. Moments later, his father walked in, oblivious to what had just happened,” Adekunle narrated.
The family, unaware of the smouldering fire, locked the house and went out shopping. By the time they returned, the house had been reduced to ashes.
Adekunle described the tragic event as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by firecrackers and emphasised the need for vigilance and safety, especially during festive periods.
“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 statement concluded.
