Four members of the same family have died after a house was gutted by fire at Rugan Badali Fulani Settlement in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The Yobe State Police Command said the fire occurred on August 21, 2026, and was allegedly started by the nine-year-old son of the house owner, Abubakar Idi.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Yusuf Ali, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, The News Edition reports.
According to the police, officers at the Karasuwa Divisional Headquarters responded to an emergency report about the fire at Idi’s residence.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Jibrin, directed the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine its cause.
Four Family Members Killed
The police said investigations revealed that the four victims were two stepmothers and two sisters of the child.
According to the command, the child allegedly told investigators that he started the fire after his father beat him the previous day over the alleged theft of a chicken.
The fire subsequently spread through the house while the four victims were inside, resulting in their deaths.
The police said the investigation is nearing completion and that the child will be referred to the appropriate authorities for further action in accordance with laws governing children in conflict with the law.
CP Umar Jibrin commended the VCRU team for its handling of the investigation and directed officers to ensure that all required legal and child-protection procedures are followed.
The police command expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to children’s behaviour, welfare and emotional wellbeing.