Mother, Two Children Killed in Arson Attack in Lagos; Father in Critical Condition

A tragic incident occurred in the Ita Marun community of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, on the night of November 25-26, when suspected arsonists set fire to the home of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Eniola Oduse, and her family. Eniola and her two young children, four-year-old Eri and two-year-old Onoara, were killed in the blaze. Eniola’s husband, 25-year-old Kehinde, managed to escape but is currently in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital.

The family was asleep when, around 2 a.m., unidentified individuals entered the premises, poured petrol around their home, and set it alight. Eniola’s twin sister, Taiwo, recounted the horrific details, explaining that the smell of petrol woke Eniola, who alerted her husband. Before they could investigate, the attackers ignited the fire. Kehinde, badly burned, managed to escape and seek help. However, by the time assistance arrived, it was too late for his wife and children, who perished in the inferno.

Taiwo described the heartbreaking scene when Kehinde returned to the apartment. He found his wife lying at the entrance, with the lifeless bodies of their children in her arms, as she had tried to save them from the flames. A relative of the family, Razaq, shared that despite being rushed to several hospitals, the couple was initially turned away due to the severity of their burns. After seven hours, they were finally admitted to a medical facility, but Eniola passed away from her injuries early on Thursday morning. Kehinde’s condition remains uncertain.

Razaq suggested that the arson may be connected to a long-running dispute over land in the community. He explained that the family had faced repeated threats and attacks related to attempts to seize their land, which may have led to the tragic loss of their lives. The family’s land dispute had also been linked to the death of Kehinde’s father earlier this year.

The victims have been laid to rest, while Kehinde continues to fight for his life. As of the time of this report, the police have yet to provide an official statement regarding the incident, and efforts to reach the police spokesperson have been unsuccessful.