A five-year-old boy on Monday caused a fire that engulfed a five-bedroom duplex in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The incident occurred at Abiodun Adebiyi Close, off Yidi Road, Irewolede area of Ilorin, at approximately 5:32 p.m.
According to the spokesman of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, the fire started when the child, playing with matches, accidentally dropped a lit stick on a combustible material.
This led to a rapid spread of flames within the house.
Emergency services were quickly alerted, and the state fire service responded to the distress call. Upon arrival, firefighters found one room in the building engulfed in flames.
“Through sheer expertise and technical precision, the team worked fervently to contain the fire, ensuring it did not spread to other rooms or nearby buildings. Thanks to their exceptional skill and coordination, only one room was affected,” Adekunle stated.
Commending the swift intervention of his team, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, praised the firefighters for their prompt and tactical response.
He also urged the public to take fire safety seriously and advised parents to keep matches and other flammable items away from children.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder that a single matchstick can destroy an entire building. Parents must be extra vigilant to prevent such occurrences,” he added.
No casualties were reported, but the affected room sustained significant damage.
Authorities continue to emphasize fire safety awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.