A tragic fire incident occurred on Thursday at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, Ilorin, Kwara State, where a nine-year-old boy reportedly set his parents’ three-bedroom flat on fire while playing with matches.

The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the incident, stating that the child unintentionally ignited a mattress, which escalated into a blaze that consumed the entire apartment.

Hakeem Adekunle, the Fire Service spokesperson, recounted the details of the incident.

“The fire was caused by a 9-year-old child playing with matches, which ignited a mattress & escalated the blaze.

“We strongly urge the public to prioritize safety, especially as children spend their holiday at home with limited supervision while many parents are at work,” he said.

He also recalled a similar incident last year in the Ilorin metropolis, where another child accidentally razed their parents’ home.

“Parents must educate their children about the dangers of fire and ensure items like matches and lighters are kept out of reach,” Adekunle said.

“As we approach the holidays, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Firecrackers, commonly known as bangers, are particularly hazardous and should be handled with care or avoided altogether,” he added.