A nine-year-old child reportedly caused a fire that gutted a three-bedroom bungalow in Mandate 2 Housing Estate, Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State, on Thursday. The incident occurred when the child, playing with matches, accidentally ignited a mattress, sparking a blaze that rapidly spread.

The fire, confirmed by the Kwara State Fire Service, severely damaged the building’s bedroom, kitchen, and balcony. According to eyewitnesses, the child’s mother was outside the building attending to visitors when neighbors noticed heavy smoke and raised the alarm.

Hassan Adekunle, the Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity for the State Fire Service, detailed the events in a statement released on Friday. He 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 urged parents and guardians to educate children about the dangers of playing with fire. The agency emphasized the importance of keeping matches, lighters, and other flammable items out of children’s reach.

“As the festive season approaches, we must stress the dangers of firecrackers, commonly known as bangers,” Adekunle added. “Parents must ensure their children understand the risks associated with firecrackers and monitor their use, if permitted. Vigilance is essential to prevent such incidents, particularly during the holidays when children are often home with limited supervision.”

The fire service concluded by encouraging the public to prioritize safety and adopt preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies.