Heartbreaking Incident Claims Lives of Two Young Boys
A devastating fire claimed the lives of two young brothers, Jelad Oluwaranakinse, aged five, and Jenson Oluwaranakinse, aged three, in the Oluwatuyi area of Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday. The tragic incident occurred when the boys were allegedly locked inside their home by their mother, who had stepped out to buy something.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the fire broke out in the apartment while the mother, identified as Mrs. Deborah Oluwaranakinse, was away. Despite efforts by neighbors and local authorities, the children could not be rescued in time.
Neighbors’ Desperate Efforts to Save the Boys
According to an eyewitness who spoke to FRONTPAGE, the fire started in the afternoon, but the exact cause remains unknown. The neighbor recounted the frantic attempts made by residents to extinguish the flames and rescue the children.
“When the fire started, the neighbors around made efforts to put it out and rescue the kids, but their efforts were unsuccessful. People called the state fire service, but by the time they arrived, it was too late. The kids had died,” the eyewitness said.
The fire completely consumed the apartment, leaving the children unable to escape. Their bodies were later evacuated and deposited at the morgue of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Akure.
Investigation Underway
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“The two male children left in the room were choked and burnt. One is Jelad Oluwaranakinse, aged five, while the second is Jenson Oluwaranakinse, aged three years. Their mother, Mrs. Deborah Oluwaranakinse, locked the two children inside their room and went out to search for food. An investigation has commenced,” Odunlami said.
The Community in Mourning
The Oluwatuyi community is reeling from the loss, as residents expressed sorrow over the avoidable tragedy. Many lamented the lack of adequate fire safety awareness and the delayed response of emergency services.
One neighbor noted, “This is a painful loss. It’s a reminder that we must all be vigilant about fire safety, especially when children are involved.”
Concerns Over Fire Safety and Parental Supervision
The incident has sparked discussions about the importance of fire safety and the risks associated with leaving young children unattended. While Mrs. Oluwaranakinse’s intention to step out briefly was likely out of necessity, the tragic outcome highlights the dangers of locking children indoors without supervision.
Fire outbreaks remain a common hazard in many Nigerian communities, often exacerbated by poor infrastructure, limited access to emergency services, and inadequate public awareness.
Authorities Urged to Strengthen Safety Measures
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for enhanced fire safety education and stricter safety protocols in residential areas. Community leaders are calling on the government and fire safety agencies to intensify campaigns on fire prevention and response.
As investigations continue, the Oluwatuyi community mourns the loss of Jelad and Jenson Oluwaranakinse, two innocent lives tragically cut short. Their deaths serve as a painful reminder of the need for vigilance, improved safety measures, and better support for families in crisis.
