Tragic fire claims Customs Officer, wife, children in Osun

A devastating fire incident in the early hours of Monday, December 2, 2024, claimed the lives of Superintendent of Customs (SC) Kabiru Tijani, his wife, and four of their children, leaving one child as the sole survivor.

The tragedy unfolded around 3:00 am at their residence in Ede, Osun State, casting a pall of sorrow over the family, friends, and colleagues in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

SC Kabiru Tijani, who served as the Officer in Charge of Operations at the Oyo/Osun Area Command, was celebrated for his exceptional commitment to duty. Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, hailed Tijani’s contributions to the success of the Command, particularly in leading anti-smuggling operations.

“His unwavering commitment to duty, particularly in coordinating and executing successful anti-smuggling operations, greatly contributed to the success of the Command,” Dr. Oramalugo stated.

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Tijani’s wife, an active member of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Oyo/Osun Chapter, was also fondly remembered for her efforts to improve the welfare of the Customs community.

In light of the tragedy, the Oyo/Osun Area Command addressed speculations surrounding the fire.

“We urge the public to disregard unfounded reports regarding the inferno. Our priority is to provide support to the bereaved extended family, the lone child survivor, and to further investigate the circumstances surrounding this fatal incident,” said Dr. Oramalugo.

Tijani and his family were laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites, a somber occasion marked by prayers and the collective grief of the Customs Service and the wider community.

“May the Almighty grant them Al-Janatul Firdaus and give their family the strength to endure this immense loss,” said Kayode Wey, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, in a heartfelt statement.

The Customs Service expressed its deep condolences to the family and thanked the public for their prayers and support during this difficult time. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing as the Customs community rallies around the surviving child and extended family.