A tragic incident occurred on August 21, 2026, in the Rugan Badali Fulani Settlement of Karasuwa Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria. A nine-year-old boy allegedly set his family house ablaze, resulting in the deaths of his two stepmothers and two sisters. The victims were trapped inside the house and sustained fatal burns. The Yobe State Police Command disclosed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Yusuf Ali.
According to the police, the Karasuwa Divisional Headquarters received a distress call reporting a fire outbreak at the residence of one Abubakar Idi. The Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, CP Unman Jibrin, directed the Violent Crime Response Unit to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation to establish the actual cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police investigation subsequently revealed that Idi's nine-year-old son had allegedly started the fire.
The child admitted to setting the house on fire, claiming that he acted in retaliation after his father allegedly beat him for stealing a chicken. The police stated that the investigation had reached its concluding stage and that the child would subsequently be presented before the appropriate authorities for necessary legal proceedings. The process would be handled in accordance with applicable laws governing children in conflict with the law.
The inferno reportedly killed two wives and two daughters of Idi, who were inside the house when the fire broke out. The Commissioner of Police commended the VCRU operatives for their diligence and professionalism in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Jibrin also directed that all necessary legal and child-protection procedures be strictly observed throughout the process.
The command condoled with the bereaved family and urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to the welfare, behaviour and emotional wellbeing of children under their care. The police also urged members of the public to promptly report situations that could pose a threat to lives, property or the wellbeing of children to the police or other relevant authorities.
The incident has raised concerns about the need for parents and guardians to be more vigilant and proactive in addressing the emotional and psychological needs of children. The police have assured that they will handle the case in accordance with the law and ensure that the child is presented before the appropriate authorities.
The Yobe State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in the state. The command has urged parents and guardians to be more proactive in preventing such incidents and to report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities.
Key points
- A nine-year-old boy allegedly set his family house on fire in Yobe State, Nigeria, killing his two stepmothers and two sisters.
- The child admitted to setting the house on fire, claiming that he acted in retaliation after his father allegedly beat him for stealing a chicken.
- The police have assured that they will handle the case in accordance with the law and ensure that the child is presented before the appropriate authorities.
