Woman claims neighbours burnt her home over traditional beliefs in Kwara

A female practitioner of traditional religion in Ilorin, Kwara State, has accused her neighbours of deliberately setting her home on fire because of her religious beliefs.

In a video shared online, the woman said she built the house legally and moved into the predominantly Muslim neighbourhood, where some residents reportedly objected to her practice of traditional religion, known locally as Oníṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀.

She claimed that certain neighbours openly told her they did not want someone of her faith living among them.

She said the hostility began with threats and intimidation, prompting her to report the situation to a nearby police station.

According to her account, the police summoned those involved and reminded them that she has the constitutional right to live and worship wherever she chooses.

Despite the police warning, she alleged that the threats continued, with some people telling her that her house would be burnt if she did not stop practising her religion.

Initially dismissing the threat, she later received an urgent call on January 1, 2026, while attending the Osun Festival at another residence, informing her that her Ilorin home was on fire.

The property was later confirmed to have been burnt, which she described as a deliberate act of arson linked to the earlier threats and targeted at her because of her beliefs.

In a statement shared with the video, she appealed for public awareness and said the report was meant to ensure her safety and hold those responsible to account.

As of the report’s publication, the Kwara State Police Command had not issued an official comment or confirmed any arrests.