A tragic incident in Yobe State has led to the arrest of a nine-year-old boy who allegedly set his family home on fire, resulting in the deaths of his two stepmothers and two younger brothers. The shocking event took place in Rugan Badal, a hamlet located in the Karasuwa Local Government Area.

According to the Yobe State Police Command, the boy's actions were reportedly motivated by revenge after he was punished by his father for stealing a fowl. In an interview with Channels Television, the young suspect recounted the events leading up to the fire, stating, "I carried one of our fowls to sell; the general public, looking at my age, reported me to my father, and I was beaten."

In a chilling admission, he explained how he purchased matches for N50 from a neighbor while his family was asleep and set the house ablaze. The fire quickly engulfed the residence, trapping the victims inside. The boy claimed that after igniting the fire, he shouted for help to alert neighbors but did not disclose his involvement until three days later, following a period of prayer.

The police spokesperson, ASP Yusuf Adamu-Ali, confirmed that the boy was paraded alongside his father, Abubakar Idi, during a press briefing. While acknowledging the child's tender age, he emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the need for legal accountability to deter similar incidents in the future.

This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting discussions about the implications of domestic discipline, child psychology, and the accessibility of dangerous materials to minors. The police have stated that investigations are ongoing to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this harrowing incident.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, it raises critical questions about the mental and emotional well-being of children and the responsibility of parents in guiding their behavior. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of punitive measures and the importance of addressing conflicts within families in a constructive manner.