A nine-year-old child is reported to have set fire to a three-bedroom bungalow in the Mandate 2 Housing Estate, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday.

The fire, which broke out at No. 52 in the Ilorin West Local Government Area, was caused when the child, playing with matches, ignited a mattress, triggering a blaze.

As stated by the State Fire Service, the fire quickly spread, destroying a bedroom, kitchen, and the balcony of the house. The child’s mother, who was outside attending to visitors, was alerted by neighbors when they noticed thick smoke coming from the building.

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The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement released on Friday. Hassan Adekunle, the Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity reports:

“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 issued a safety advisory, urging parents and guardians to educate children on the dangers of playing with fire.

“Keep matches, lighters, and other flammable materials out of the reach of children,” the statement emphasized. As the festive season approaches, the Fire Service also warned about the dangers of firecrackers, advising parents to educate their children on their risks.

“Parents must ensure firecrackers are used responsibly, if at all,” the statement concluded, stressing the importance of safety, particularly as children are home for the holidays with less supervision.

Credible News.ng