In a shocking turn of events, three teenagers in Kwara State set a three-bedroom bungalow on fire after a failed attempt to steal foodstuffs, groceries, and clothing in the Gaa Akanbi area of Ilorin. The incident took place at No. 59 Afenifere Community, Onireke, Gaa Akanbi, in the Ilorin South Local Government Area around noon.
One of the teenagers, 18-year-old Olawumi Olamide, confessed during interrogation that their gang member, Isiaka, was involved in the arson. Eyewitnesses revealed that the trio decided to burn down the house after being caught trying to rob the residents.
The fire destroyed valuable items like a mattress, documents, a plasma television, and clothing. The Kwara State Fire Service responded to the scene and managed to control the flames within 25 minutes. According to the Head of Media and Publicity of the Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, the fire was a deliberate act of arson following a theft.
18-year-old Olamide was captured by the community members after stabbing a man in a bid to escape. He was handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further action. Isiaka, the other culprit, managed to flee into the bush after setting the mattress on fire to create a distraction.
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Falade Olumuyiwa, emphasized the importance of safety and urged the public to stay vigilant to prevent such incidents in the future. The NSCDC is currently holding Olamide in custody, with investigations ongoing.
