A heartbreaking incident has left residents of Ondo Town in deep sorrow after a nine-year-old girl, known simply as Testimony, was burnt to death inside a bungalow in the Samakinwa area of the town. The tragic event occurred on Sunday, April 13, 2025, around 4:00 p.m., when a fire broke out in the apartment where the child had been locked in by her guardian, who had gone out to attend a church service.
According to reports from locals, the girl was mentally challenged and had been left alone in one of the rooms of the house. The fire, which started suddenly, quickly spread throughout the building, destroying property and trapping the child inside.
Eyewitnesses said efforts by neighbours and youths in the area to save the girl were unsuccessful due to the locked doors. The intensity of the fire and the lack of access meant that help could not reach her in time.
“The fire started from inside the house. Before we could do anything, it had spread,” said one resident, who witnessed the incident. “We tried to break the door, but it was locked. Some people managed to break the window and brought out her remains, but it was too late. She was burnt beyond recognition.”
The case has since been taken up by the police. The Divisional Police Officer of Yaba Division in Ondo, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Victor Olowolagba, confirmed the incident. He told reporters that police officers visited the scene and evacuated the remains of the young girl.
He added that the guardian and three other individuals had been invited for questioning to help the police understand the cause of the fire and how the child came to be left alone in such a dangerous situation.
“We are conducting an investigation to determine what exactly happened. The guardian and others are helping us with useful information,” CSP Olowolagba said.
The incident has sparked outrage and sadness among residents, especially youth leaders and community members, who say it could have been avoided. Akinbinuade Akinyemi, a youth leader in the area, said the death of the young girl was a painful reminder of the dangers of locking up vulnerable children alone.
“This kind of thing is very sad. It is even more painful because the girl was mentally challenged and could not help herself. We always talk about safety in the community, but this shows that more needs to be done,” he said.
Fire outbreaks are not new in parts of Ondo Town, especially in areas where electrical faults or carelessness often result in disasters. However, many residents say this case is different because it involves the loss of a child due to what they describe as “pure negligence.”
Testimony’s identity is still being confirmed officially, but neighbours say she had lived with her guardian for some time and rarely went outside. She was described as quiet and often kept indoors.
“I used to see her sometimes by the window,” said a nearby resident. “She hardly came out. We didn’t even know something like this could happen until we saw smoke coming out of the house.”
Human rights activists and child welfare advocates have called on authorities to investigate thoroughly and ensure justice is done. Many are questioning why the child was left alone in the first place, and whether the guardian had a history of mistreating her.
A resident who didn’t want to be named said, “We need to ask hard questions. Why was a child, especially one with a mental condition, locked alone inside a house? This is not just a fire accident, it is a case of neglect.”
According to Nigerian law, guardians and parents have a responsibility to protect the children under their care. When a child dies due to preventable causes like this, it often leads to legal consequences, especially if there are signs of negligence or abuse.
Child rights organizations in Ondo State are also expected to weigh in on the matter in the coming days. Sources say the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development may also get involved, especially since the victim was a vulnerable minor.
The charred remains of the girl have been deposited in a morgue while police continue their investigation. As at the time of filing this report, no official charges had been filed, but the police confirmed that the case remains open.
Meanwhile, residents in the Samakinwa area have started calling for better public awareness about child safety, especially for families with special needs children.
“This is a big lesson for everyone,” said another resident. “We must learn not to leave children, especially those who are vulnerable, alone at home. We are also calling on the government to help educate people more about fire safety and the dangers of neglect.”
This unfortunate event adds to the rising number of child deaths due to domestic accidents and negligence in Nigeria. According to UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations, many Nigerian children are at risk due to poor safety practices, lack of proper supervision, and weak enforcement of child protection laws.
As the people of Ondo Town mourn the tragic loss of young Testimony, they are also hoping that justice will be served and that stronger systems will be put in place to protect vulnerable children from such avoidable tragedies.
