A nine-year-old youngster reportedly set a three-bedroom bungalow on hearth in one of many state authorities housing estates in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, on Thursday.
The hearth erupted on the bungalow positioned at No 52, Mandate 2 Housing Property within the Ilorin West, Native Authorities Space of the state, was reported to have been brought on by a toddler who was taking part in with matches.
The kid, in keeping with the State Fireplace Service, was taking part in with matches, which ignited a mattress within the compound and escalated the blaze.
PUNCH On-line correspondent gathered that the hearth utterly destroyed a bed room, kitchen and the balcony of the constructing.
Sources stated that the mom of the boy was exterior the constructing attending to some guests when neighbours raised the alarm of heavy smoke from the bungalow.
The hearth service confirmed the incident in a press release made accessible to journalists on Friday and signed by the Principal Fireplace Officer and the Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle.
Adekunle stated, “The Kwara State Fireplace Service responded to a fireplace outbreak on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at No. 52 Mandate Housing Property, Ilorin, the place a three-bedroom flat was almost destroyed.
“The hearth was brought on by a nine-year-old youngster taking part in with matches, which ignited a mattress and escalated the blaze.”
The hearth service, nonetheless, suggested mother and father and guardians to coach their kids on the hazards of taking part in with hearth, including that they need to “preserve matches, lighters, and different flammable supplies out of the attain of kids.
“We strongly urge the general public to prioritise security always, particularly as kids spend their vacation at dwelling with restricted supervision whereas many mother and father are at work. Mother and father and guardians are suggested to be vigilant of their kids.
“Because the festive season approaches, we should emphasize the hazards of firecrackers, generally referred to as bangers.
“Mother and father should educate their kids on the hazards of firecrackers and guarantee they’re used responsibly, if in any respect. Allow us to all work collectively to forestall such tragedies this festive season.”