Five-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Sets Duplex on Fire in Ilorin
A five-year-old boy reportedly set a duplex on fire on Monday while playing with matches at Abiodun Adebiyi Close, off Yidi Road, Irewolede Area, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The fire, which started inside one of the rooms in the duplex, destroyed valuable property before firefighters arrived to contain the spread.
Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness, Lanre Abdulrazaq, who was working in the area, said they noticed thick smoke billowing from the building and quickly raised the alarm.
“We didn’t know what caused the fire initially, but we alerted residents for a rescue operation. The firefighters arrived soon after and managed to control the flames,” he said.
Fire Service Confirms Incident
Confirming the incident, Hassan Adekunle, spokesman for the Kwara State Fire Service, revealed that the fire started when the child accidentally dropped a lit matchstick on combustible material, sparking a blaze.
According to a statement issued by the fire service:
“On Monday, 3rd February 2025, at about 5:32 PM, we received a distress call about a fire outbreak at Abiodun Adebiyi Close.
Our firefighters responded swiftly, arriving at the scene to find one room in a five-bedroom duplex engulfed in flames.
With technical precision and expertise, they contained the fire, ensuring it did not spread to other rooms or nearby structures.”
Fire Service Issues Safety Warning
Commending the firefighters for their swift action, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, urged residents to prioritize fire safety.
“Parents must keep matches away from children, as a single matchstick can destroy an entire building,” he warned.
The Kwara State Fire Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through professionalism and rapid emergency response.
