Nine-year-old playing with matches sets bungalow on fire in Kwara

A nine-year-old child reportedly set a three-bedroom bungalow on fire in one of the state government housing estates in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, on Thursday.

The fire erupted at the bungalow located at No 52, Mandate 2 Housing Estate in the Ilorin West, Local Government Area of the state, was reported to have been caused by a child who was playing with matches.

The child, according to the State Fire Service, was playing with matches, which ignited a mattress in the compound and escalated the blaze.

PUNCH Online correspondent gathered that the fire completely destroyed a bedroom, kitchen and the balcony of the building.
Sources said that the mother of the boy was outside the building attending to some visitors when neighbours raised the alarm of heavy smoke from the bungalow.

The fire service confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists on Friday and signed by the Principal Fire Officer and the Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle.
Adekunle said, “The Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, Ilorin, where a three-bedroom flat was nearly destroyed.
“The fire was caused by a nine-year-old child playing with matches, which ignited a mattress and escalated the blaze.”

The fire service, however, advised parents and guardians to educate their children on the dangers of playing with fire, adding that they should “keep matches, lighters, and other flammable materials out of the reach of children.

“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. Parents and guardians are advised to be vigilant of their children.

“As the festive season approaches, we must emphasize the dangers of firecrackers, commonly known as bangers.

“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.”