By Victor Akinkuolie

The Samakinwa area of Ondo town, the headquarters of Ondo West Local Government area of Ondo State, was plunged into mourning on Monday following the tragic death of a nine-year old girl identified as Testimony, who was reportedly mentally challenged.

The victim was said to have been locked inside one of the rooms in a four-bedroom flat by her guardian, who had gone to church when the unfortunate incident occurred.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire started around 4:00 pm and was allegedly caused by an electrical surge. The inferno engulfed the building, destroying several properties belonging to the occupants.

Tragically, the young girl was trapped inside and burned beyond recognition. Despite frantic efforts by residents, especially the youths in the area, to rescue her, their attempts were unsuccessful as the door to the room was securely locked.

Sympathisers later broke into the room and recovered the charred remains of the girl.

When our reporter arrived at the scene, some residents were still engaged in rescue efforts while others gathered in groups, discussing the heartbreaking event. A few occupants of the building were seen salvaging whatever belongings they could from parts of the house not affected by the fire.

The remains of the victim were placed in a corner of the compound as grieving occupants and neighbours wept and lamented the incident.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Yaba Division, CSP Victor Olowolagba, led a team of officers to the scene to commence investigation. He confirmed that four persons had been invited for questioning as part of efforts to determine the exact cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Olowolagba assured the community that the police would thoroughly investigate the incident. The remains of the girl, who was said to have been ill for some time, were later evacuated to a yet-to-be-disclosed morgue.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Youth Leader of the area, Comrade Akinbinuade Akinyemi, expressed sorrow over the incident and decried the recurring cases of fire outbreaks in the community.