Yobe — A shocking family tragedy has emerged from Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, where a nine-year-old boy allegedly set his family home ablaze in an act of revenge after his father reportedly beat him over the theft of a fowl.
The incident, which occurred on August 21, 2026, at Rugan Badali Fulani Settlement, reportedly claimed the lives of four members of the household.
The Yobe State Police Command disclosed the development on Wednesday, October 7, saying the victims were two wives and two daughters of the boy’s father, Abubakar Idi.
According to the police, the tragedy initially appeared to be a fire outbreak until detectives from the Violent Crime Response Unit commenced an investigation into its cause.
The investigation allegedly revealed that the fire had been deliberately started by the nine-year-old son of the house owner.
How It Happened
Reports from the police and Channels Television indicate that the boy had earlier taken one of the family’s fowls with the intention of selling it.
The act was reportedly discovered and brought to the attention of his father, who allegedly beat him as punishment.
The boy subsequently became angry and allegedly decided to retaliate against his father.
According to his reported confession, he bought matches the following day while his two stepmothers and two younger siblings were asleep.
He allegedly set the family house on fire and then raised an alarm after the flames engulfed the building.
“I set our house on fire as revenge for what my father did to me,” the boy reportedly told Channels Television during an interview.
Four Family Members Trapped
The fire reportedly trapped the occupants inside the house, resulting in fatal burns.
The police said four members of the family died in the inferno.
The child allegedly did not immediately disclose that he was responsible for starting the fire.
According to his account, he only confessed about three days later, after prayers, following which he was arrested and taken to Damaturu.
Police Investigation
The Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, CP Usman Jibrin, reportedly directed the Violent Crime Response Unit to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation after the initial fire report.
The police said the investigation has reached its concluding stage and that the child would be presented before the appropriate authorities for necessary legal proceedings.
Because the suspect is nine years old, the police also stressed that the matter would be handled in accordance with laws governing children in conflict with the law, alongside the required child-protection procedures.
The police commissioner expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare, behaviour and emotional wellbeing of children.
The incident has also raised concerns about how seemingly minor family disputes can escalate into devastating consequences when children respond to punishment with extreme retaliation.