A tragic fire outbreak at Laduba community, in the Ogidi area of Ilorin, has claimed the lives of three children. The incident occurred on Saturday evening at approximately 6:46 pm at No. 1 Popo Street, near the Ojere Junction.

According to a statement by the Kwara State Fire Service spokesperson, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the fire originated in a ground-floor shop of a storey building. Preliminary investigations revealed that a woman had purchased 50 litres of petrol and stored it inside the shop where her children were sleeping.

The disaster was triggered when sparks from a charcoal fire being used by another woman in an adjacent shop spread to the petrol storage area, resulting in a massive explosion. While firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevent it from consuming the entire building, three victims trapped inside could not be saved. A passerby who attempted a rescue sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving hospital treatment.

The victims have been identified as:

• Abdulraman Jamiu Jeje (8 years old)
• Islamiya Abdulwahab (17 years old, daughter of the shop owner)
• Hadizah AbdulAzeez Raji (17 years old)

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the deaths as "heartbreaking and avoidable." He issued a stern warning to residents of Kwara State to desist from storing highly inflammable liquids like petrol in residential or commercial premises, noting that minimal heat or sparks can trigger catastrophic explosions.

The remains of the deceased were recovered by fire officials and handed over to the Laduba Community Chairman, Mr. Saadu Abdulrahim, for burial.