Photo: Unrelated photo of a fire outbreak
By Deborah Nnamdi
Two minor siblings, Queen Ohwo, 6, and Everlyne Ohwo, 4, have been burnt to death in a tragic fire incident at their parents’ residence in Ode-Aye, Okitipupa Council Area of Ondo State.
The incident occurred at No. 1 Olaribigbe Street, Zion Area, Ode-Aye. A police source said the remains of the victims, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Ohwo Peter, have been evacuated to the Health Centre in Ode-Aye.
According to the source, the fire may have resulted from negligence during cooking activities by their parents.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a thorough and discreet investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the outbreak.
Abayomi said the Divisional Police Officer in Ode-Aye had been directed to cordon off the scene, obtain statements from relevant witnesses, and collaborate with the Federal Fire Service to ascertain the extent and origin of the fire.
While commiserating with the bereaved family, the police spokesperson urged members of the public to exercise caution in handling fire and cooking appliances to prevent similar tragedies.
He advised residents never to leave cooking unattended, especially when children are around, and to keep flammable materials away from cooking areas and open flames. He also appealed to parents to ensure children are not left alone in homes where fire or heat sources are in use.
Abayomi further encouraged households to have basic fire safety tools such as fire extinguishers or buckets of sand or water readily available and to educate family members, particularly children, on fire hazards and emergency response.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to remain safety-conscious at all times.
