By Our Reporter

In a deeply heartbreaking incident, a nine-year-old girl named Testimony lost her life in a fire that ravaged a residential apartment in the Samakinwa area of Ondo town, the headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area in Ondo State.

The victim, reportedly living with a mental health condition, was locked inside one of the rooms in a four-bedroom flat by her guardian, who had gone to church at the time the fire broke out.

The blaze, which eyewitnesses said began around 4p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2025, was suspected to have been triggered by an electrical surge.

The fire rapidly spread through the building, destroying several belongings of the occupants.

Trapped alone in the locked room, young Testimony was unable to escape as flames engulfed the home.

Local residents, especially the youth, were said to have made desperate efforts to save her but were unable to break through the secured door in time.

Eventually, sympathisers managed to force their way into the room, only to recover her charred remains.

It was gathered that her body was placed in a corner of the compound, as heartbroken neighbours and residents mourned the tragic loss.

Officers from the Yaba Divisional Headquarters led by Divisional Police Officer, CSP Victor Olowolagba, promptly arrived at the scene to begin an investigation.

According to CSP Olowolagba, four individuals have been invited for questioning to help determine the exact cause of the fire and to clarify the circumstances that led to the child being left unattended.

He assured the community of a thorough investigation, stressing the importance of uncovering all details surrounding the incident.

The remains of the girl, who was said to have been ill for some time, were later taken to an undisclosed morgue.

Reacting to the devastating event, the youth leader of the area, Comrade Akinbinuade Akinyemi, expressed deep sorrow and lamented the frequent occurrence of fire outbreaks in the community.