The Yobe State Police Command has arrested a nine-year-old boy over an alleged arson attack that killed his two stepmothers and two younger brothers in Karasuwa Local Government Area.
The incident occurred at Rugan Badali, where police allege that the child set his family’s home on fire following punishment by his father over the theft of a fowl.
The four victims were reportedly asleep inside the house when the fire started.
Child recounts events preceding the fire
During an interview aired by Channels Television, the boy said he had taken a family-owned fowl to sell, but members of the public reported him to his father, who beat him.
He said he subsequently started the fire in retaliation for the punishment.
According to his account, he raised an alarm after the house caught fire, prompting neighbours to attempt a rescue. He said he initially concealed his alleged involvement before admitting it three days later.
The child said police subsequently arrested him and took him to Damaturu, the state capital.
Police confirm arrest
The command presented the boy alongside his father during a briefing.
Police spokesperson ASP Yusuf Adamu-Ali acknowledged that the suspect was a minor but said the command would pursue action over the incident.
Adamu-Ali described the allegations as serious and expressed concern about the loss of life.
The police account and the child’s statements concern an alleged offence. No court determination was reported in the account of the arrest.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire are ongoing.
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