An 18-year-old Ayomide Olawunmi and his three-man gang yesterday invaded a house in Ilorin, Kwara State, stole foodstuffs before setting the house on fire.The Guardian gathered that it was the swift response by the state fire service that saved the entire building at 59 Afenifere Community, Onireke in Gaa-Akanbi area from total destruction.

Eyewitnesses told our reporter that two of the three rooms were burnt down before the fire fighters arrived.

According to investigations, Olawunmi and his gang had stormed the deserted house to steal foodstuffs and other ɓelongings when neighbours suspected unusual movements and raised the alarm that eventually attracted sympathisers, who went after the invaders. On sighting the approaching crowd, the invaders set the building ablaze. They later allegedly confessed to the crime.

“On arriving at the scene, the fire officers found a three-bedroom bungalow engulfed in flames,” the firefighter’s spokesperson, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle disclosed.

The head, media and publicity hinted that his men managed to bring the inferno 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,” he added. Hassan confirmed that the fire was not natural, saying: “after investigation, it was gathered 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.”He, however, disclosed that 18-year-old Olawunmi was apprehended by the community during the group’s getaway bid.

“During his capture, suspect stabbed a man twice before being handed over to the community chairman, Mr. Azeez Jamiu, who subsequently turned him 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 prioritise safety at all times.