Tragedy strikes Ondo families as fire claims lives of youngsters

A devastating fire swept through a residence in Ode-Aye community, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, claiming the lives of two siblings, Queen Ohwo, 6, and Everlyne Ohwo, 4, who were trapped in the blaze that ravaged parts of their family home at 1 Olaribigbe Street, Zion Area.

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The tragic incident, which occurred on March 18, has left the children's parents, Mr and Mrs Ohwo Peter, utterly heartbroken and distraught, struggling to come to terms with the loss of their young ones.

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The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the incident, revealing that its officers promptly visited the scene to document the incident and conduct a preliminary investigation, with the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, issuing a statement on the matter.

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According to Jimoh, the charred remains of the two children were taken to the Health Centre in Ode-Aye, while their parents, who were present at the scene, were found to be in a state of deep shock and trauma, struggling to cope with the enormity of their loss.

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Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have been caused by negligence during cooking activities, although a full investigation is still ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the blaze.

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The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a thorough and discreet investigation into the fire outbreak, which occurred on March 18, 2026, at No. 1 Olaribigbe Street, Zion Area, Ode-Aye, in Okitipupa Local Government Area.

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The Divisional Police Officer in Ode-Aye has been instructed to cordon off the scene, gather statements from relevant witnesses, and work with the Federal Fire Service to determine the origin and extent of the fire, as part of the ongoing investigation.

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The police command has expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, while also urging members of the public to exercise extreme caution when handling fire and cooking appliances to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.