A gang of three teenagers set a three-bedroom bungalow on fire after stealing various items, including foodstuffs, groceries, and clothing, in the Gaa Akanbi area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The incident occurred around 12 p.m. on Wednesday at No. 59 Afenifere Community, Onireke, Gaa Akanbi, in the Ilorin South Local Government Area.
One of the suspects, identified as 18-year-old Olawumi Olamide, also revealed the name of an accomplice as Isiaka.
According to eyewitness accounts, the teenagers decided to set the house ablaze after residents thwarted their attempt to steal the goods. The fire destroyed valuable items, including a mattress, important documents, a plasma television, and clothing.
The Kwara State Fire Service, which responded promptly to the scene, confirmed the incident in a statement released by its Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle. “On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 12:11 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service responded swiftly to a fire at No. 59 Afenifere Community, Onireke, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin. Fire officers found a three-bedroom bungalow engulfed in flames and managed to control the fire within 25 minutes,” the statement read.
Despite their efforts, two rooms were completely destroyed by the blaze. The Fire Service’s investigation revealed that the fire was an act of arson committed by the gang, who had earlier stolen foodstuffs, groceries, and clothing. After being discovered by residents, the gang set the house on fire in a bid to escape.
Olawumi Ayomide, one of the gang members, was apprehended by the community. During his capture, he stabbed a man twice before being handed over to the community chairman, Mr. Azeez Jamiu, and subsequently turned over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Tanke Division.
In a video recording during his interrogation by community members, Ayomide, who was stripped naked, confessed that his accomplice, Isiaka, had set the mattress on fire to create a distraction before escaping into the bush.
The Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in Kwara State, ASC Ayoola Michael, stated that he would follow up with the Tanke Division where the suspect was being held and provide further updates.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritize safety at all times.
