A man Silvanus Uku, his wife and child lost their lives in an early morning fire on Christmas day at 53 Mabel Erewa Close, off Etete road, Benin City.
The landlord Egberamwen Enobakhare said he noticed smoke coming from the deceased’s room at 2 a.m.,
“I forced the door opened and saw flames of fire from the gas cooker and there was nothing I could do. I was helpless and could not go in. The family died in the inferno,” Mr Egberamwen said.
One of the tenants Osayande Joseph said she ran into her room to pick up her child and escaped through the back door.
A neighbour Okhuoghae Osawaru said: “The affected family was inside the house when the fire started.
“The man is a hard-working man. He just returned from outstation to celebrate Christmas with his wife and baby. He was humble and nice. It was a pity for it to happen on Christmas day,” Mr Okhuoghae said.
When contacted, the state Director of Fire Service Franklin Agbonlahor said he could not comment on the incident as he was on holiday.
“I’m on holiday now and until I get detailed information about the incident, I cannot give any information to anybody. I will be available in the office tomorrow (Thursday) and I will get a detailed report
Agbonlahor said.
Edo police spokesperson Chidi Nwabuzor said the Etete Police Station received the situation report and contacted the state fire service.
