Jenta Adamu community in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday witnessed tragedy as a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police, Anthony Kwanmi, and three of his children were burnt to death in an early morning fire that engulfed his house.

It was learnt that Kwanmi recently retired from the police force and was a former aide-de-camp of ex-governor of the state, Fidelis Tapgun.

A witness said the fire started after an electric spark from a meter in the house.

He said, “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.”

It was gathered that neighbours were woken up by the cries for help from the children, who were sleeping in a room close to their father’s.

Kwanmi reportedly made spirited efforts to open the door and free himself and the children, but the thick smoke billowing from the fire prevented him.

However, his wife and one of his children were lucky, as they escaped, however with burns.

It was learnt that the survivors were admitted at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (Jankwano), Jos, where they received treatment.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Tyopev Terna, confirmed the incident.

He 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.”

It was later learnt that the fourth child of the retired ASP, who was receiving treatment at the hospital is also dead.