Police Arrest 9-Year-Old Over Fatal House Fire in Yobe
By Tams Jonah, ABUJA –Â The Nigeria Police Force, Yobe State Command, has arrested a nine-year-old boy in connection with a house fire that claimed the lives of his two stepmothers and two younger brothers in Rugan Badali, Karasuwa Local Government Area of the state.
According to Channels Television, the boy allegedly confessed to setting the house ablaze after becoming angry with his father, who he said had beaten him.
The suspect reportedly told Channels Television that he decided to set the house on fire as an act of revenge against his father.
He allegedly bought a box of matches for ₦50 before setting the house ablaze while his two stepmothers and younger brothers were inside.
The boy reportedly raised an alarm after the fire started but later confessed to his involvement three days after the incident.
Following the confession, he was arrested by the police and taken to Damaturu.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe State, ASP Yusuf Adamu-Ali, confirmed the arrest and acknowledged that the suspect is a minor, adding that the matter would be handled in accordance with the law.
The incident has drawn concern over the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the need for greater attention to the welfare, discipline and supervision of children.
