A devastating fire broke out at the residence of Abubakar Idi in Rugan Badali Fulani Settlement, Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, on August 21, 2026, claiming the lives of four family members. The Yobe State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Yusuf Ali. According to the command, the Karasuwa Divisional Headquarters received a distress call about the fire, prompting an investigation into the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Unman Jibrin, directed the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police said the investigation allegedly revealed that Idi's nine-year-old son started the fire. The boy reportedly admitted to setting the house on fire, explaining that he did so in retaliation after his father allegedly beat him a day earlier for stealing a chicken.
The blaze killed Idi's two wives and two daughters, who were inside the house at the time. The police stated that the investigation was at its concluding stage and that the boy would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary legal proceedings. The case would be handled in accordance with laws governing children in conflict with the law.
CP Unman Jibrin commended the VCRU operatives for their diligence and professionalism in investigating the incident. He also directed that all legal and child-protection procedures be followed throughout the process. The command expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to the welfare, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing of children in their care.
The police command called on members of the public to promptly report situations that could endanger 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 provide emotional support and care to children, as well as the importance of early intervention in cases of child behavioural problems.
The Yobe State Police Command's handling of the case demonstrates its commitment to upholding the laws governing children in conflict with the law. The command's efforts to ensure that the boy receives the necessary support and rehabilitation services are in line with its mandate to protect the rights and welfare of children in the state.
Key points
- A 9-year-old boy allegedly set his family house on fire in Yobe State, Nigeria, killing four members of his family.
- The boy reportedly admitted to setting the fire in retaliation for his father's beating, which was a result of stealing a chicken.
- The police investigation is at its concluding stage, and the boy will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary legal proceedings.
