A heartbreaking incident occurred in the Samakinwa area of Ondo town, Ondo State, where a 9-year-old girl named Testimony was burned to death in a house fire after being locked inside by her guardian.
The tragic event unfolded on Monday, April 14, 2025, around 4:00 p.m.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire was reportedly triggered by an electrical surge and quickly spread through a four-bedroom apartment, destroying valuable property.
Testimony, said to have had mental health challenges, was alone in one of the rooms when the fire broke out.
Her guardian had allegedly locked the door and left for church, leaving the girl trapped inside with no way to escape.
Despite desperate efforts by neighbours and local youths to break down the door and rescue her, they were unsuccessful due to the secure lock.
By the time access was gained, the young girl had been burned beyond recognition.
Her remains were later recovered and placed in a corner of the compound as devastated residents and neighbours gathered in sorrow and disbelief.
The Divisional Police Officer of the Yaba Division, CSP Victor Olowolagba, led a team of officers to the scene and confirmed that four individuals had been invited for questioning.
He assured the public that a thorough investigation would be carried out to determine the cause of the fire and the circumstances that led to the girl’s death.
Testimony’s body has since been moved to an undisclosed morgue for proper handling.
Reacting to the incident, the youth leader of the area, Comrade Akinbinuade Akinyemi, expressed deep sadness and condemned the increasing frequency of fire outbreaks in the community.
