Tragedy struck Okochiri community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State on Friday morning after a fire engulfed a residence, killing a woman and her four children.
Tripod Times gathered that the victims were asleep when the fire broke out at the residence. Community youths reportedly responded to the incident and helped put out the fire, but the five occupants had already died.
The Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force in Okrika, Igwe Godswill, confirmed the incident, saying details surrounding the tragedy remained sketchy.
According to him, police officers had arrived at the scene and taken details of the incident, while further investigation was expected to determine what caused the fire.
Some residents alleged that petrol may have ignited after a spark, but the claim had not been independently verified.
The incident has left residents of the community mourning, with authorities expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
