9-year-old girl locked up by guardian burnt to death

Tragedy struck in Ondo town, Ondo State, as a nine-year-old girl, alleged to be mentally challenged, was burnt to death in  an inferno that gutted their apartment.

The victim, identified as Testimony, was burnt to death in a fire that engulfed an apartment located at Samakinwa area of the town.

Vanguard gathered that the minor was reportedly locked up in the apartment by her guardian, who went to the church.

An eyewitness told newsmen: “Her guardian locked the mentally challenged girl inside one of the rooms in a four-bedroom flat. The guardian had gone to church when fire gutted the building. 

“The fire started about 4p.m., and was allegedly caused by an electrical surge. It destroyed several properties belonging to the occupants. The young girl was trapped inside and burnt beyond recognition. 

“Despite frantic efforts by residents, especially the youths in the area, to rescue her, their attempts were unsuccessful as the door to the room was securely locked.  Sympathisers later broke into the room and recovered the charred remains of the girl."

Contacted, Divisional Police Officer of Yaba Division, Victor Olowolagba, confirmed the incident, adding that he led a team of officers to the scene and  investigations would soon commence.

Olowolagba said four persons had been invited for questioning in a bid to determine the cause of the inferno.