A 9-year-old child accidentally set his father’s three-bedroom flat on fire in Ilorin, Kwara State, while playing with matches on Thursday. The fire occurred at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate and nearly destroyed the entire flat.
Hassan Adekunle, spokesperson for the state fire service, confirmed that the fire was ignited when the child played with matches, which set a mattress ablaze and spread the fire.
In a statement issued on Friday, Adekunle urged the public to prioritize safety, especially as children spend more time at home during the holidays while parents are at work. He advised parents and guardians to keep matches, lighters, and other flammable items out of children’s reach and educate them on the dangers of fire.
The statement also highlighted the risks of firecrackers, also known as "bangers," during the festive season, recalling a tragic incident where a child’s mishandling of firecrackers led to a devastating house fire. The fire, undetected by the family, consumed the entire house while they were away.
Adekunle stressed the importance of vigilance and safety during the holidays, urging parents to ensure children use firecrackers responsibly or avoid them entirely to prevent such tragedies.
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