Tragedy struck in the Oluwatuyi area of Akure, Ondo State, as two young brothers, Jelad (5) and Jenson Oluwaranakinse (3), lost their lives in a fire that engulfed their home on Wednesday.
Reports indicate that their mother had locked the children inside the apartment while she stepped out to buy food. Eyewitnesses stated that the fire broke out in the afternoon, but the cause remains unknown. Despite efforts from neighbors to extinguish the flames and rescue the boys, their attempts were unsuccessful. The state fire service was called, but by the time they arrived, the situation had deteriorated.
One eyewitness described the chaos, noting that the community rushed to help but could not save the children. The bodies were later taken to the morgue at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Akure.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation is underway. She noted that the children were found burned and choked in their room.
As the community mourns this heartbreaking loss, authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.