An 18-year-old boy has been detained for allegedly setting a house on fire after he and his gang stole food, clothing, and other items in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, spokesperson for the Kwara Fire Service, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting it occurred on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
According to Adekunle, the suspect, Olawumi Ayomide, was captured by local residents and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
“The Kwara State Fire Service received a report of a fire outbreak at No. 59, Afenifere Community, Onireke, Gaa-Akanbi area, Ilorin, on September 25, 2024, at 12:11 PM,” the statement read.
“When fire officers arrived at the scene, they found a three-bedroom bungalow engulfed in flames. The dedicated team promptly began extinguishing the fire, managing to bring it under control within 25 minutes.
“Despite their efforts, two rooms were entirely destroyed by the blaze, resulting in the loss of items such as a mattress, important documents, a plasma TV, and clothing.
“Investigations indicated that the fire was deliberately set by a gang of thieves who had previously stolen foodstuffs, groceries, and clothing.
“After being discovered by residents, the gang ignited the fire in a bid to escape. One member of the trio, 18-year-old Olawumi Ayomide, was apprehended by the community.
“During his capture, Ayomide stabbed a man twice but was ultimately handed over to the community chairman, Mr. Azeez Jamiu, before being transferred to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Tanke Division.”
