Mother and four children die in Rivers house fire

A mother and her four children have died after a fire swept through their home in Okochiri community, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The fire happened in the early hours of Friday. The cause had not been officially confirmed by the time of the reports, although residents gave accounts linking it to petrol and a possible spark.

Igwe Godswill, the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force in Okrika, confirmed that five bodies were found when he and his team reached the scene. He said the police had arrived and taken details of what happened.

Daily Trust reported that community youths helped put out the fire after residents raised the alarm. Punch reported that the incident was still being investigated and that the exact circumstances remained unclear.

The deaths have left the community in shock, with residents waiting for the authorities to confirm what started the fire.

Sources: Punch, Daily Trust