The Ondo State Police Command has begun investigation into a fire incident that claimed the lives of two sisters on March 18, at No. 1 Olaribigbe Street, Zion Area, Ode-Aye, in Okitipupa Local Government Area.
This is contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on Sunday in Akure.
The statement said that the victims – six-year-old Queen Ohwo and four-year-old Everlyne Ohwo, daughters of Mr and Mrs Ohwo Peter, were reportedly trapped in the inferno that engulfed the family residence.
Police operatives who arrived at the scene documented the incident, took photographs, and evacuated the remains of the children to the Health Centre in Ode-Aye.
“Their parents, present at the scene, were said to be in deep shock.
“Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by negligence during cooking.
“However, Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, PSC(+), mnips, has ordered a thorough and discreet investigation to determine the exact cause of the outbreak.
“The Divisional Police Officer in Ode-Aye has been directed to cordon off the area, obtain witness statements, and work with the Federal Fire Service to determine the origin and extent of the damage.
“The Command expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and urged residents to prioritize fire safety.
“It also issued guidelines for preventing similar incidents, including avoiding unattended cooking, keeping flammables away from heat sources, supervising children closely, keeping basic fire-fighting tools at home, and educating households on fire hazards,” statement read.
