Ondo Police probe fire that killed two children in Ode-Aye

Cityscope, Crime Diary

AKURE, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 21, 2026 — The Ondo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a fire that killed two children in Ode-Aye on March 18. The blaze occurred at No. 1 Olaribigbe Street, Zion Area, claiming the lives of Queen Ohwo, 6, and Everlyne Ohwo, 4, daughters of Mr and Mrs Ohwo Peter.

Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh said officers promptly visited the scene, documented evidence, and evacuated the victims’ remains to the Ode-Aye Health Centre. The grieving parents were found in deep shock.

According to the police, preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by negligence during cooking. Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal has ordered a thorough probe, directing the Divisional Police Officer to secure the site, take witness statements, and work with the Federal Fire Service to determine the cause.

The Command expressed condolences to the family and urged residents to adopt fire safety measures: never leave cooking unattended, keep flammable materials away from open flames, supervise children around heat sources, and keep extinguishers or sand/water nearby. It also stressed the importance of educating children on fire hazards.

“The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and encourages residents to stay safety-conscious,” the statement concluded.