NINE-YEAR-OLD BOY ALLEGEDLY SETS FAMILY HOME ABLAZE IN YOBE
A nine-year-old boy has allegedly set his family home on fire in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing his two stepmothers and two sisters.
The incident occurred on August 21, 2026, at Rugan Badali Fulani Settlement, where the victims were trapped inside the house and died from severe burns.
The Yobe State Police Command said its investigation found that the child allegedly started the fire after his father reportedly beat him for stealing a chicken.
According to the police, the child admitted to setting the house ablaze in retaliation for the beating.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Unman Jibrin, directed that the investigation be concluded and that the child be handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action in line with child-protection laws.
The police expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to the welfare and emotional wellbeing of children.