Nine-year-old boy allegedly sets house ablaze, kills four family members in Yobe

The Yobe State Police Command has arrested a nine-year-old boy for allegedly setting his family home ablaze, killing his two stepmothers and two younger brothers.

According to TheCable, the incident occurred in Rugan Badali, Karasuwa Local Government Area, following a dispute between the boy and his father.

Police spokesperson Yusuf Adamu-Ali said the child allegedly started the fire in retaliation after his father beat him for stealing a chicken and phone battery.

The boy reportedly purchased matches worth ₦50 and set the house ablaze while his relatives slept.

He subsequently raised an alarm, attracting neighbours who attempted to rescue the occupants.

Police said the boy confessed three days later.

“After the investigation, it was discovered that it was not a fire outbreak. The house was set ablaze,” Adamu-Ali said.

Authorities subsequently arrested the minor and took him to Damaturu for questioning.

Police said investigations confirmed the fire was deliberately started following the earlier punishment.