A residential building in the Isale Koko area of Ilorin, Kwara State, was engulfed in a fire on the night of Thursday, January 1, 2026, destroying at least eight rooms and immediately igniting a fierce controversy. While the Kwara State Fire Service initially pointed to a power surge as the preliminary cause, allegations of deliberate arson, stemming from religious differences, swiftly emerged, leading to police intervention and multiple arrests.

The fire incident, which occurred at Sanu-Shehu Street, opposite Government Day Secondary School, prompted a distress call to the Kwara State Fire Service at approximately 8:11 PM on Thursday. Firefighters mobilized quickly, but upon arrival, found the building fully engulfed. Their swift actions, however, successfully prevented the blaze from spreading to adjacent structures, averting a wider disaster. According to the Fire Service's preliminary investigations, a power surge igniting combustible materials within the building was the likely cause.

However, the narrative took a sharp turn with the report made by Mrs. T.A. Olorisha, the traditional worshipper who owns the razed property. Mrs. Olorisha reported to the C Division, Oja Oba, on January 2, 2026, at about 10:00 PM, alleging that her house had been deliberately set ablaze by unknown persons around 7:00 PM on January 1, while she was away. Crucially, she claimed to have received threats in November 2025 from several individuals, including the subsequently arrested suspects, due to her traditional worship practices and alleged pressure for her to leave the area. Some sources even went as far as accusing "irate muslims" or "Islamic terrorists" of the act.

Responding to these serious allegations, the Kwara State Police Command launched a thorough investigation into the suspected arson. On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, confirmed the arrest of three individuals in connection with the incident: Alhaji Salihu Saka, 63; Alhaji Abubakar Salihu, 58; and Alhaji Yekini Olohuntele, 67. All three suspects are currently in police custody, actively aiding the ongoing investigations.

The police confirmed that no lives were lost in the inferno, as no occupant was present in the building at the time. The value of the destroyed property, however, is yet to be ascertained. The Kwara State Police Command assured the public of concerted efforts to apprehend any other perpetrators involved and to diligently investigate all allegations. The Command reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives, property, and fundamental rights of all residents, emphasizing that such protection applies irrespective of religious or cultural beliefs. They urged community members to remain calm and provide any useful information that could assist the investigation.

In light of the incident, Alabi Mohammed, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, issued a public warning against poor electrical safety practices. He strongly advised householders to install surge protectors, ensure proper electrical wiring, and consistently switch off all electrical appliances before leaving their homes. Mohammed also underscored the critical importance of early notification in reducing losses, urging residents to promptly report any fire outbreaks.