A mother and her four children were burnt to death in their apartment at Tanke area, Ilorin, Kwara State.

The incident happened in Ifesowapo community, behind ‘F’ Division Police Station in Ilorin.

It was gathered the incident happened on Thursday about 10pm when a lit candle fell and had the house ablaze while the family members were sleeping.  

The woman, named Mrs Titilayo Adigun, a 40-year-old petty trader and her four children died in the inferno, while her husband, Fatai, is currently on admission at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital as a result of shock.

Sources close to the family told pressmen in Ilorin that the only child that survived the inferno was also admitted, receiving medical attention at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).

The landlord of the house, Ibrahim Gana, who was injured after rescuing the only surviving child of the family, called on the state government to assist the father and the child who are currently receiving treatment at the UITH.

Gana stated, “The incident happened around 10pm last night and we tried our best to rescue them, but we were only able to rescue one of the children from the fire. The four siblings and their mother were burnt to death. We had to contact the father, who was out during the incident, on the phone and he is now in the hospital.

“We are appealing to the government and all kind-hearted Nigerians to come to our aid.”

The Chairman, Ifesowapo Community, Awodun Yinka, told reporters that a noise was heard from a room and a parlour apartment and residents rushed down to the house but were unable to rescue the victims.

A resident, Pastor Abayomi Kolapo, said, “Only one out of five children was rescued. Presently, he is having a heart problem and he is half burnt. We need the child to survive.

“The father was unconscious yesterday and was behaving abnormally because of the impact and effect of the situation on him. We want to beg the Kwara State Government to assist the father and the only surviving child.”