By Favour Olorunfemi
A 40-year-old woman, Rafiat Sheriff, and her seven-year-old daughter, Asisat, were killed in a gas explosion at their home on Church Street, along Èbúté Road, in the Ibafo area of Ogun State.
A neighbour identified only as Abiodun reportedly told the police that while the child was trying to light the cylinder, the gas cylinder burst into flames.
A police document quoted Abiodun as saying that the entire apartment was consumed by fire, leading to the death of the mother and her daughter.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident and said two other individuals are currently battling for their lives in the hospital.
The police document also noted that the state fire service was contacted but did not respond. However, the state Director of Fire Service, Fatai Adefala, denied any knowledge of a gas explosion, stating that the fire service operatives were not informed about the incident.