Metro

Raging fire claims 5 in a family of 7

Published

8 years ago

August 9, 2016

Residents in Jenta Adamu in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State watched in horror as a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police, Anthony Kwanmi and four of his kids were burnt to death.

However, Anthony’s wife and one of his children escaped the raging fire with burns and have both been admitted at the at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (Jankwano), Jos.

An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said that the fire which razed the home of the deceased, who was a former aide-de-camp to ex-civilian governor of the state, Mr. Fidelis Tapgun, started after a spark from the meter in the building.

“The meter was mounted at the entrance to the building. There was a spark from the meter which started the fire. Because the meter was at the entrance, the fire prevented them from escaping. It quickly spread to other rooms in the house.”

In his comments following the incident, ASP Tyopev Terna, the Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the incident said; “The ‘A’ Division of the state police command got a call around 3am on Monday and we responded to the distress call. Officials of the state fire service were also mobilised to the burning building; they assisted in putting out the fire.

“The retired police officer and three of his children lost their lives, while his wife and one family member are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.”

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