Yobe: Boy Burns Stepmothers, Brothers to Death in Alleged Vengeance Attack

The Yobe State Police Command has apprehended a nine-year-old boy implicated in an arson attack that resulted in the deaths of his two stepmothers and two younger siblings. The incident occurred in Rugan Badal, a locality within Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State. Police sources revealed that the child intentionally set the fire, allegedly as vengeance following his father's disciplinary measures for attempting to sell a fowl without authorization.

Speaking to Channels Television, the suspect provided the sequence of events leading to the incident and its execution. He disclosed that he sold a fowl, which led to his father's punishment, subsequently buying matches with ₦50 and igniting the house fire while his stepmothers and younger brothers were sleeping. The flame rapidly engulfed the house, trapping the four victims.

According to the boy, he initially called for help but withheld his involvement in starting the fire until after three days of prayers and confession, after which he was taken into police custody in Damaturu. The police spokesperson, ASP Yusuf Adamu-Ali, confirmed the arrest and highlighted the gravity of the alleged offense, emphasizing the need for judicial proceedings.

The tragic incident has elicited community concern and reignited discussions on child discipline, emotional well-being of minors, and the accessibility of dangerous materials to children. Police are currently probing the incident's background.