A 13-year-old boy has allegedly set his family home ablaze in Yobe State, resulting in the deaths of four of his sisters.
The incident reportedly followed a dispute between the boy and his father, who allegedly beat him before leaving the house for town.
According to accounts of the incident, the boy later admitted during questioning that he had taken his father’s cock without permission and was beaten after his father discovered what had happened.
He allegedly told investigators that he subsequently set fire to the family house while his sisters were inside.
Four of the children were reportedly trapped in the building and died in the ensuing fire.
The incident has sparked concern within the community, particularly because the victims were reportedly the suspect’s siblings and the alleged act followed a domestic dispute.
The case is also expected to draw attention to the handling of children accused of serious offences under Nigeria’s child justice framework, which generally places emphasis on rehabilitation, correction and reintegration rather than adult criminal punishment.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the events leading to the fire, the boy’s alleged actions and the deaths of the four children.
The tragedy has left the family and community mourning the loss of the four sisters, while the 13-year-old remains in custody as investigations continue.
