Nine year old boy arrested over fire that killed stepmothers, brothers in Yobe

DAMATURU: The Yobe State Police Command has arrested a nine year old boy over an alleged fire incident that killed his two stepmothers and two younger brothers in Rugan Badali, Karasuwa Local Government Area of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred after the boy’s father allegedly accused him of stealing a fowl and beat him.

According to Channels Television, the boy told the police that he later bought a box of matches for N50 and set fire to the family house while his two stepmothers and two younger brothers were asleep.

The suspect reportedly said he initially called for help after the fire started but did not disclose his alleged involvement until three days later, after which he confessed and was arrested.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe State, ASP Yusuf Adamu Ali, said the suspect was a minor but would not simply be released without due process.

Adamu Ali said the case would be handled in accordance with the law, adding that the incident was a serious unlawful act despite the suspect’s age.

The police spokesperson expressed concern over the incident, particularly against the background of Yobe’s recovery from years of Boko Haram insurgency.

The circumstances surrounding the fire and the deaths remain subject to police investigation.