Four Die As 9-Year-Old Allegedly Sets Family Home Ablaze After Father Beats Him Over Stolen Chicken

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

A nine-year-old boy has allegedly set his family home ablaze in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, resulting in the death of his two stepmothers and two sisters.

The incident occurred on August 21, 2026, at Rugan Badali Fulani Settlement in the area, after the victims were reportedly trapped inside the house when the fire broke out.

The Yobe State Police Command confirmed the incident 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 over a fire outbreak at the residence of one Abubakar Idi.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Unman Jibrin, directed the Violent Crime Response Unit to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The police said the investigation later revealed that Idi’s nine-year-old son allegedly started the fire.

The command said the child admitted setting the house ablaze, explaining that he acted in retaliation after his father allegedly beat him a day earlier over the theft of a chicken.

The fire subsequently claimed the lives of two wives and two daughters of Idi, who were inside the building at the time of the incident.

The police said the investigation was nearing completion, adding that the child would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further proceedings in line with laws governing children in conflict with the law.

Jibrin commended the officers involved in the investigation for their diligence and professionalism, while directing that all necessary legal and child-protection procedures be followed throughout the process.

The commissioner also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the welfare, behaviour and emotional wellbeing of children under their care.

The command further advised members of the public to promptly report situations that could endanger lives, property or the welfare of children to the appropriate authorities.