Two young siblings have lost their lives in a tragic fire incident that occurred at their family residence in Ode-Aye, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victims, identified as six-year-old Queen Ohwo and her four-year-old sister, Everlyne Ohwo, were reportedly burnt to death when a fire engulfed their home located at No. 1 Olaribigbe Street in the Zion Area of the community. The children were said to be daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Ohwo Peter.
A police source disclosed that the remains of the victims have been evacuated to a health centre in Ode-Aye. Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have resulted from negligence during cooking activities within the household, although the exact cause is yet to be officially determined.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a thorough and discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire outbreak.
According to Abayomi, the Divisional Police Officer in Ode-Aye has been directed to secure the scene, obtain statements from relevant witnesses, and collaborate with the Federal Fire Service to determine the origin and extent of the fire.
He also conveyed the command’s condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incident as deeply painful and avoidable. The police further used the opportunity to call on members of the public to adopt strict fire safety measures in their homes.
Abayomi emphasized the importance of never leaving cooking unattended, particularly when children are present, and advised households to keep flammable materials away from heat sources. He also urged parents to ensure that children are not left alone in environments where fire or cooking appliances are in use.
Additionally, residents were encouraged to equip their homes with basic fire safety tools such as extinguishers, buckets of sand, or water, and to educate family members on emergency response procedures.
The police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property while urging the public to remain vigilant and safety-conscious at all times.
