Yobe Horror: 9-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Sets Family House Ablaze After Punishment For Theft

The Yobe State Police Command has arrested a nine-year-old boy for allegedly setting his family home on fire, an incident that resulted in the deaths of his two stepmothers and two younger brothers.

The incident occurred at Rugan Badal, a hamlet in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the police said the minor allegedly started the fire as an act of revenge after his father punished him for taking a family fowl without permission and attempting to sell it.

The boy reportedly told investigators that after being beaten over the incident, he purchased matches from a nearby shop the following day and set the house ablaze while his two stepmothers and two younger brothers were asleep.

He allegedly raised an alarm after starting the fire, prompting neighbours to rush to the scene to attempt a rescue. However, the victims were trapped inside the burning building and died in the incident.

The minor reportedly said he did not initially disclose his involvement, but later confessed after spending three days in prayer. He was subsequently arrested by the police and taken to Damaturu.

The Yobe State Police Command paraded the suspect alongside his father, Abubakar Idi, on Tuesday. The command’s spokesperson, ASP Yusuf Adamu-Ali, acknowledged the suspect’s young age but said the seriousness of the incident warranted appropriate legal action.

The police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The incident has sparked concern within the community, particularly over child discipline, the psychological wellbeing of minors and the ease with which children can gain access to potentially dangerous materials.