A nine‑year‑old boy was taken into custody by the police in [Yobe State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yobe_State) after admitting he deliberately set fire to his house in Rugan Badali, Karasuwa LGA, killing his two step‑mothers and two younger brothers. The incident occurred on a recent evening and the child was later presented before authorities in Damaturu.
**What prompted the fire?**
The youngster told investigators he had been accused by his father of stealing a chicken and was beaten. He said, “I carried a chicken to sell; people saw my age and told my father, who then beat me. The next day I bought N50 worth of matches and set the house alight as revenge.”
**Key facts of the case**
- The fire claimed four lives: two step‑mothers and two brothers, all asleep at the time.
- The boy claimed he shouted for help when the blaze started but did not reveal his role until three days later, after praying.
- He was arrested by officers of the [Nigeria Police Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_Force_of_Nigeria) and taken to the state capital.
- Police Relations Officer ASP Yusuf Adamu‑Ali, while parading the suspect with his father, emphasized that the child would not be released to deter similar crimes.
**Why is the incident significant?**
The officer expressed concern that such violent acts could undermine the fragile peace in a region still recovering from the [Boko Haram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boko_Haram) insurgency. He warned that allowing a minor to go free might embolden others to commit unlawful acts.
The boy’s confession and subsequent arrest highlight the challenges of juvenile crime and community safety in northern Nigeria.