A nine-year-old child reportedly ignited a fire that engulfed parts of a three-bedroom bungalow at Mandate 2 Housing Estate, Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State, on Thursday.

The Kwara State Fire Service disclosed that the incident occurred when the child was playing with matches, which accidentally set a mattress ablaze. The fire quickly spread, causing significant damage to the bedroom, kitchen, and balcony of the building located at No. 52 in the estate.

Eyewitnesses reported that the inferno was eventually contained, but not before destroying a considerable portion of the bungalow.

Sources said that the mother of the boy was outside the building attending to some visitors when neighbours raised the alarm of heavy smoke from the bungalow.

The fire service confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists on Friday and signed by the Principal Fire Officer and the Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle.

Adekunle 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, however, advised parents and guardians to educate their children on the dangers of playing with fire, adding that they should “keep matches, lighters, and other flammable materials out of the reach of children.

“We strongly urge the public to prioritise safety at all times, especially as children spend their holiday at home with limited supervision while many parents are at work. Parents and guardians are advised to be vigilant of their children.

“As the festive season approaches, we must emphasize the dangers of firecrackers, commonly known as bangers.

“Parents must educate their children on the dangers of firecrackers and ensure they are used responsibly, if at all. Let us all work together to prevent such tragedies this festive season.”