18-Year-Old Sets House Ablaze After Stealing Foodstuff in Kwara

An 18-year-old boy in Kwara State allegedly set a house on fire after stealing foodstuff. Read more about the incident and its aftermath in the local community.

In a distressing event that occurred in Ilorin, Kwara State, an 18-year-old individual named Olawumi Ayomide has been taken into custody for allegedly igniting a fire in a residence following the theft of food items, clothing, and other valuables alongside his accomplices.

Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, confirmed the occurrence in a statement released on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Adekunle disclosed that Ayomide and his associates executed the theft prior to deliberately setting the house on fire.

Ayomide was captured by alert members of the community, who promptly handed him over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for further inquiry.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 12:11 PM, the Kwara State Fire Service responded rapidly to a fire incident at No. 59, Afenifere Community, Onireke, Gaa-Akanbi area, Ilorin, as stated in the report.

Upon their arrival, fire officers encountered a three-bedroom bungalow engulfed in flames. The dedicated officers immediately commenced efforts to extinguish the fire and successfully brought it under control within 25 minutes.

Despite their prompt actions, two rooms were entirely consumed by the blaze, resulting in the destruction of items including a mattress, important documents, a plasma television, and clothing.

Investigations indicated that the fire was a result of arson perpetrated by a group of thieves who had previously stolen foodstuffs, groceries, and clothing.

After being discovered by local residents, the gang set the house ablaze in a frantic attempt to evade capture. One member of the trio, 18-year-old Olawumi Ayomide, was apprehended by the community.

During his arrest, Ayomide inflicted stab wounds on a man before being handed over to the community chairman, Mr. Azeez Jamiu, and subsequently transferred to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Tanke Division.

Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, urged the public to remain vigilant.