A nine-year-old child accidentally set fire to a three-bedroom bungalow in Mandate 2 Housing Estate, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday.
The blaze, which broke out at No. 52 Mandate 2 Housing Estate in Ilorin West Local Government Area, was reportedly caused when the child was playing with matches, igniting a mattress in the compound. The fire quickly spread, destroying a bedroom, kitchen, and the building’s balcony.
According to sources, the child’s mother was outside attending to visitors when neighbors noticed heavy smoke and raised the alarm.
The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday by Principal Fire Officer Hassan Adekunle, who detailed that the fire had nearly destroyed the three-bedroom flat. “The fire was caused by a nine-year-old playing with matches, which ignited a mattress and escalated the blaze,” Adekunle said.
In light of the incident, the fire service has urged parents and guardians to educate their children about the dangers of playing with fire. They also advised that matches, lighters, and other flammable materials should be kept out of children’s reach.
“The holiday season means children are at home with limited supervision, and parents must remain vigilant,” Adekunle emphasized. “We also encourage parents to educate their children on the dangers of firecrackers, which are commonly used during the festive period. Ensuring safety must be a priority for everyone.”
