A gang of thieves, led by an 18-year-old boy, reportedly burgled a three-bedroom bungalow in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Wednesday and set the house on fire.
Tribune Online gathered that the incident occurred at about 12:11 a.m. at No. 59, Afenifere Community, Onireke, Gaa-Akanbi area, Ilorin.
It was also reported that the gang, who had stolen foodstuffs, groceries, and clothing, set the house on fire in a desperate attempt to escape after being discovered by residents and community members.
The incident was confirmed by the State Fire Service in a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the agency, Hassan Adekunle.
The statement reads, “On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 12:11 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service responded swiftly to a fire outbreak at No. 59, Afenifere Community, Onireke, Gaa-Akanbi area, Ilorin.
“Upon arriving at the scene, the fire officers found a three-bedroom bungalow engulfed in flames. The gallant officers immediately began extinguishing the fire and managed to bring it under control within 25 minutes. Despite their efforts, two rooms were completely ravaged by the inferno, with items such as a mattress, valuable documents, a plasma TV, and clothing completely destroyed.
“Investigations revealed that the fire was an act of arson committed by a gang of thieves who had stolen foodstuffs, groceries, and clothing. After being discovered by residents and community members, the gang set the house on fire in a desperate attempt to escape.
“One member of the three-person gang, 18-year-old Olawumi Ayomide, was apprehended by the community. During his capture, Ayomide 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 Defense Corps (NSCDC), Tanke Division.
“The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritize safety at all times,” he said.
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