Rivers: Tragedy as 2 siblings burnt to death in late-night fire

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in the Rumuola area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where two siblings lost their lives in a late-night fire that destroyed property worth millions of naira.

Eyewitnesses reported that the inferno began in a makeshift building where a mother had left her four children while she stepped out briefly to buy items for dinner.

The fire, which ignited around 10 p.m., spread rapidly through the structure, leaving residents helpless as they struggled to contain the blaze before emergency responders could arrive.

Sources revealed that two of the children were asleep when the fire broke out, while their older siblings were still awake and attempted to escape.

It was learnt that the claims the inferno occurred inside the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, were untrue as it happened behind the school.

The source, who spoke in confidence, said, “It is a makeshift building behind the school. It is a gory site. I’m standing beside two children who have lost their lives in this fire. Their bodies have been covered.

“The fire started from the woman who lost her two children. She was cooking at about 10 pm yesterday (Sunday). The stove she was using to cook was on. She then locked the door to go and buy some ingredients.

“When she came back, the fire had engulfed the buildings. The two children who were awake tried to save their younger siblings but later ran out because of the heat from the fire. So that was how the two younger children were burnt to death.”

It was learnt that firefighters succeeded in putting out the inferno and preventing it from spreading.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP. Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the fire outbreak and the death of the children.

Iringe-Koko said, “From the situation report I received, the children were aged nine and five years.

“We have started an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire. The woman has been invited for questioning as part of our investigation. “