A heartbreaking incident has shaken the Okitipupa community in Ondo State after two young sisters lost their lives in a devastating fire that gutted their family home. The victims, Queen Ohwo, aged 6, and her younger sister Everlyne Ohwo, just 4 years old, died in the inferno that occurred on March 18, 2026, at their residence on Olaribigbe Street in the Zion Area of Ode-Aye.
The Ondo State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident, with early reports suggesting that negligence during cooking may have sparked the deadly blaze.
What Happened?
According to DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Police Public Relations Officer for Ondo State Command, the fire outbreak claimed the lives of the two daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Ohwo Peter. When police operatives arrived at the scene, they found the parents in a state of deep shock and trauma over the loss of their children.
“The remains of the victims, which were severely burnt, were evacuated to the Health Centre in Ode-Aye,” DSP Jimoh stated in an official release on Saturday.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the fire outbreak. The Divisional Police Officer in Ode-Aye has been directed to secure the scene, gather statements from witnesses, and work alongside the Federal Fire Services to establish the origin and extent of the fire.
A Preventable Tragedy?
Preliminary findings point to possible negligence related to cooking activities as the likely cause of the fire. This tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers that lurk in our everyday activities when proper safety precautions are not observed.
Fire incidents remain a serious concern across Nigerian homes, particularly in areas where safety awareness may be limited or where families use open flames for cooking without adequate supervision.
Police Issue Fire Safety Guidelines
In the wake of this devastating loss, the Ondo State Police Command has issued important fire safety measures for residents to observe:
Essential Safety Tips:
– Never leave cooking unattended, especially when children are present in the home
– Keep flammable materials far away from cooking areas and open flames
– Never leave children alone in homes where fire or heat sources are active
– Keep fire safety tools such as fire extinguishers or buckets of sand and water within easy reach
– Educate all household members, particularly children, about fire hazards and what to do in emergencies
Community Response
The police command has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved Ohwo family and urged all residents of Ondo State to exercise extreme caution when handling fire and cooking appliances.
CP Adebowale Lawal also took the opportunity to acknowledge the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, whose leadership and guidance have strengthened security operations across Ondo State. The IGP’s previous service in Ondo State has proven invaluable in maintaining the morale and professionalism of officers in the command.
A Call for Greater Awareness
This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for increased fire safety awareness in Nigerian homes. Many families still cook with kerosene stoves, firewood, or gas cylinders without adequate safety measures in place. Children are often left at home while parents step out briefly, creating windows of vulnerability.
As we mourn the loss of Queen and Everlyne Ohwo, let their deaths not be in vain. Every household must take fire safety seriously. A few moments of inattention can result in consequences that last a lifetime.
The Ondo State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while encouraging all residents to remain vigilant and safety-conscious at all times.
May the souls of Queen and Everlyne Ohwo rest in perfect peace.
Have you taken fire safety measures in your home? Share your thoughts and safety tips in the comments below. Let’s learn from this tragedy and protect our families.
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