Tragedy struck the Ita Marun community in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, as a 22-year-old fashion designer, Eniola Oduse, and her two children, four-year-old Eri and two-year-old Onoara, were burnt to death in a suspected arson attack on their home.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
Eniola’s husband, 25-year-old Kehinde, also sustained severe burns in the fire and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The family was reportedly asleep when unidentified individuals entered their premises at about 2 a.m., sprinkled petrol around their apartment, and set it ablaze.
Kehinde’s twin sister, Taiwo, recounted the horrifying events. “My brother and his family were sleeping when the attackers poured petrol on the building. The smell woke Eniola, who alerted her husband. As they tried to figure out what was happening, someone lit a fire and threw it into their room,” she said.
Kehinde, engulfed in flames, managed to escape and called for help. However, his wife and children were unable to make it out in time.
“When they returned to the house, Eniola was lying at the entrance with the legs of her two children in her arms. She tried to drag them out, but the fire was too intense,” Taiwo added.
Family member Razaq revealed that the couple was rejected by several hospitals due to the severity of their burns. They were eventually admitted to a hospital after hours of seeking help.
“Doctors tried to save Eniola, but she succumbed to her injuries on Thursday morning. Kehinde’s condition remains critical, and we’re unsure of his current status,” Razaq said.
The charred remains of the children were buried shortly after the incident.
Razaq alleged that the attack might be linked to a protracted land dispute in the community. “The family has faced threats and attacks over attempts to seize their land, which spans several hectares. Their father died four months ago due to similar issues, and Kehinde’s brother fled the community for safety. Kehinde stayed behind because of his family and was only home that Monday when the attack occurred,” he explained.
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered at the time of this report.
The incident has left the community in shock, with calls for justice and increased security to prevent further attacks.
