A devastating fire engulfed the residence of Customs officer Tijani Kabiru in Ede, Osun State, during the early hours of Monday, December 2, 2024, resulting in the deaths of Kabiru, his wife, and four of their children. The inferno, which began around 2:09 a.m., is believed to have originated from an electrical spark in the solar panel installed on the roof of their home.
Neighbors reported that the family was asleep when the fire erupted, rapidly consuming the building and leaving little opportunity for escape. Despite prompt notification, firefighters from the Ede Zonal Command and a backup team from the Fire Service Headquarters in Abere arrived to find the house extensively damaged. Tragically, Kabiru, in his late 40s, his wife, and four children—three boys and a girl aged between three and ten—were found deceased. One child managed to escape the blaze.
The Osun State Fire Service estimates the loss from the fire at approximately ₦200 million, with property worth ₦500 million saved due to their efforts. The incident has cast a pall over the Akankan area of Ede, where the family resided.
This tragedy underscores the critical importance of fire safety measures, especially concerning electrical installations. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and to prevent future occurrences.
