Yobe: 9-Year-Old Boy Burns Stepmothers, Brothers To Death In Revenge Attack

A nine-year-old boy has been arrested in Yobe State after allegedly setting his family home ablaze, killing his two stepmothers and two younger brothers in what police described as an act of revenge against his father.

The incident occurred in Rugan Badali, a hamlet in Karasuwa Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Yobe State Police Command, the boy had been accused of stealing a fowl and was subsequently beaten by his father.

Police said the boy allegedly bought matches the following day and set the family house on fire while his two stepmothers and two younger brothers were asleep.

The minor later confessed to the incident, telling Channels Television that he carried out the act because he was angry with his father for beating him.

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The boy reportedly said he initially shouted for help after the fire started but did not disclose that he had caused the blaze. He allegedly confessed three days later following prayers, after which he was arrested and taken to Damaturu.

The police subsequently paraded the suspect alongside his father, identified as Abubakar Idi.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe, ASP Yusuf Adamu-Ali, said the suspect was a minor but would not simply be released, stressing that the case would be handled in accordance with the law.

The police spokesman also expressed concern over the incident, particularly because it occurred in a state still recovering from years of Boko Haram insurgency.

The case has raised fresh concerns about child behaviour, family conflict and the protection of vulnerable children, with police continuing to handle the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Yobe: 9-Year-Old Boy Burns Stepmothers, Brothers To Death In Revenge Attack

Olu of Warri Denies N2.7tn Pipeline Deal, Demands Evidence From Dokubo

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has rejected an allegation by Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo that the monarch receives N2.7 trillion annually from pipeline surveillance contracts, challenging him to produce documentary evidence to support the claim.

The monarch’s position was conveyed by his Sole Representative to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its joint venture partners, Prince Collins Edema.

Edema described the allegation as unfounded and said it had been categorically rejected by the monarch’s representatives.

He challenged Dokubo to provide the documents on which the allegation was based, stressing that claims involving pipeline surveillance contracts should be subjected to proper scrutiny.

Dokubo had made the allegation while discussing pipeline surveillance arrangements in the Niger Delta, questioning why former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, had faced criticism over pipeline security contracts while, according to him, other individuals were allegedly receiving larger sums.

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Dokubo alleged that the Olu of Warri and Osahon Idahosa were receiving N2.7 trillion annually for protecting oil pipelines.

However, the monarch’s representative rejected the claim and called for evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Edema argued that concerns over pipeline security arrangements should be addressed through relevant contracts, procurement records, corporate documents, government approvals and other verifiable records.

He also said allegations of wrongdoing should be directed to the appropriate government institutions for investigation rather than being settled through public accusations.

The controversy comes amid continued scrutiny of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, where private security arrangements involving former militant leaders and other stakeholders have generated public debate.

The security of oil pipelines remains a major issue for Nigeria because disruptions to crude oil production can affect government revenue, foreign exchange earnings and the broader economy.

The Olu of Warri’s representatives therefore maintained that anyone making claims about the monarch’s involvement in pipeline surveillance contracts should provide documentary evidence to support the allegations.

The monarch’s office has continued to deny the N2.7 trillion claim.

Olu of Warri Denies N2.7tn Pipeline Deal, Demands Evidence From Dokubo

Troops Crush Four-Front ISWAP Assault, Kill Over 25 Terrorists In Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated ISWAP attack on a military position in Kukawa, Borno State, with the Nigerian Army reporting that more than 25 terrorists were neutralised during the fierce encounter.

The ISWAP terrorists reportedly launched the attack on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different directions in an apparent attempt to overwhelm the military position.

The troops responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and coordinated battlefield operations, supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai. The military said the counter-offensive inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers and forced surviving fighters to flee.

According to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), a preliminary assessment indicated that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, while 14 bodies had been recovered from the battlefield.

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The Army also said troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles, during an exploitation operation after the attack.

Further operations were underway to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping, the military said.

The encounter, however, came at a cost to the military, as the Army confirmed that some soldiers were killed during the fierce fighting.

The Nigerian Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, commending their courage and sacrifice in the fight against terrorism.

The successful repulsion of the attack, the Army said, demonstrated the combat readiness and resilience of troops operating in the North-East Theatre, while highlighting the importance of air-ground coordination in disrupting terrorist operations.

The latest clash adds to ongoing military efforts to maintain pressure on ISWAP and other armed groups operating in Borno and the wider Lake Chad Basin.

The Army said its troops would continue offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols and coordinated actions with other security agencies to disrupt terrorist networks, prevent regrouping and protect communities in the region.

Troops Crush Four-Front ISWAP Assault, Kill Over 25 Terrorists In Borno