A 40-year-old woman named Rafiat Sheriff and her seven-year-old daughter, Asisat, were killed in a gas explosion at their home on Church Street, along Èbúté Road, in the Ibafo area of Ogun State on Saturday.
PUNCH online learnt that the incident happened around 8.30 pm.
The deceased, our correspondent learnt, had instructed her daughter to light the gas cylinder to prepare their evening meal.
A neighbour identified only as Abiodun reportedly told the police that while the child was trying to light the cylinder, the gas cylinder burst into flames.
A police document seen by our correspondent quoted Abiodun as saying that the entire apartment was consumed by fire, leading to the death of the mother and her daughter.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident and said two other individuals are currently battling for their lives in the hospital.
She stated, “The incident occurred last night when the mother told her seven-year-old daughter to cook. The girl was attempting to light up the gas cylinder when the entire house went up in flames.
“The mother and the child lost their lives in the explosion. Two other girls, including one of the children of the deceased, are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.”
The police document also indicated that the state fire service was contacted but did not respond.
However, the state Director of Fire Service, Fatai Adefala, denied any knowledge of a gas explosion and asserted that the fire service operatives were not informed about the incident.
He said, “I didn’t hear of the gas explosion. There was no gas explosion. We have two fire trucks on that axis. One truck is in Ibafo, and the other one is in Isheri.
“We also have another one at the Redeemed Christian Church of God. There was no gas explosion, please. I don’t know where you got the information from. They cannot call our staff, and they will not show up.”
