A tragic gas explosion claimed the lives of 40-year-old Rafiat Sheriff and her seven-year-old daughter, Asisat, on Saturday evening in their home on Church Street, Èbúté Road, Ibafo area of Ogun State.
Ultimateblog learned that the explosion occurred around 8:30 pm. Rafiat had instructed her daughter to light the gas cylinder to prepare their evening meal. While attempting to light the cylinder, it burst into flames, according to a neighbor named Abiodun, who reported the incident to the police.
The police document revealed that the fire consumed the entire apartment, leading to the deaths of Rafiat and her daughter. Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed the incident. She also reported that two other individuals, including one of Rafiat’s children, are currently battling for their lives in the hospital.
Odutola stated, “The incident happened when the mother asked her daughter to cook. The girl was trying to light the gas cylinder when the entire house caught fire. The mother and child died in the explosion, and two other girls are receiving treatment in the hospital.”
The police document indicated that the state fire service was contacted but did not respond to the emergency. However, Fatai Adefala, the state Director of Fire Service, denied any knowledge of the gas explosion and claimed that the fire service operatives were not informed.
Adefala said, “I didn’t hear of the gas explosion. There was no gas explosion. We have two fire trucks in that area—one in Ibafo and another in Isheri. We also have a truck at the Redeemed Christian Church of God. There was no gas explosion, and our staff would have responded if they had been called.”
The community mourns the loss of Rafiat and Asisat, and questions are being raised about the response and communication of the fire services during such emergencies.