A tragic gas explosion in Ibafo, Ogun State, claimed the lives of 40-year-old Rafiat Sheriff and her seven-year-old daughter, Asisat Sheriff, at their residence on Church Street along Èbúté Road.
The incident, which occurred around 8:30 pm on Saturday, also left two others with varying injuries.
According to The PUNCH, Rafiat had instructed her daughter to light the gas cylinder to prepare their evening meal.
While attempting to ignite the cylinder, a neighbour, Abiodun, informed the police that the gas cylinder burst into flames, engulfing the entire apartment.
A police document cited Abiodun as saying the fire consumed the apartment, resulting in the deaths of Rafiat and her daughter.
The State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident and stated that two other individuals are currently hospitalized and fighting for their lives.
Odutola explained, “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 at Divine Touch Hospital in the area.”
The police document also noted that the state fire service was contacted but did not respond.
However, the state Director of Fire Service, Fatai Adefala, denied any knowledge of the explosion and asserted that their operatives were not informed about the incident.
Adefala stated, “I didn’t know of the gas explosion. There was no gas explosion. We have two fire trucks on that axis. One truck is in Ibafo. The other one is in Isheri. We also have another one at the Redemption Camp Ground. 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.”
