A group of three teenagers ignited a three-bedroom bungalow in the Gaa Akanbi area of Ilorin, Kwara State, following a theft of valuable items, including foodstuffs and clothing, on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around 12 PM at No. 59 Afenifere Community in the Onireke area, located in Ilorin South Local Government. Eyewitnesses reported that the gang resorted to arson after their theft was thwarted by local residents.
Eighteen-year-old Olawumi Olamide, one of the suspects, identified another gang member as Isiaka. According to reports, after being discovered, the teenagers set the house on fire in a bid to escape.
The Kwara State Fire Service swiftly responded, extinguishing the flames within 25 minutes, but not before two rooms were severely damaged. The inferno destroyed crucial items, including a mattress, important documents, a plasma television, and clothing.
Hassan Adekunle, Head of Media and Publicity for the Fire Service, stated, “Upon arrival, the officers found the bungalow engulfed in flames. Despite our efforts, two rooms were completely ravaged.”
Investigations revealed the fire was an act of arson committed by the thieves who, in their desperation, sought to cover their tracks. Olamide was apprehended by community members after reportedly stabbing a man twice during his capture. He was subsequently turned over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the Tanke Division.
During an interrogation, Ayomide confessed that Isiaka had ignited the mattress as a diversion before fleeing into nearby bushes. The Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, ASC Ayoola Michael, indicated he would check on the status of the detained suspect.
As of now, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, has urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritize safety to prevent such incidents.
