Stepmother, 19-year-old arrested over Bauchi children’s deaths

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the deaths of two minors in the Alkaleri and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, adding that the suspects were arrested in connection with separate incidents involving a boy and a five-year-old girl.

Habib said the first incident occurred on October 16, 2026, when a boy allegedly drank a beverage given to him by his stepmother, identified as Fatima Ibrahim, 23, of Kwaimawa village.

According to the police spokesperson, the boy started vomiting uncontrollably shortly after taking the drink and was rushed to a Primary Health Care Centre in Kwaimawa before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, for further treatment.

He said the child battled for his life for eight days but was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor on October 24.

“Following a report by the Village Head of Kwaimawa, detectives swung into action and arrested the suspect. She is now in custody as the investigation continues,” the statement partly read.

In a separate incident, the police said a five-year-old girl was found dead in a pit in Badaromo village on October 24.

Habib explained that the girl’s grandfather had reported her missing to the police at about 7 pm on October 23, prompting a search by residents of the community.

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He said the search ended in tragedy when the child’s body was discovered in a small water pit behind the village at about 7 am the following day.

“Upon receiving the report, police operatives from Soro Division cordoned off the scene and arrested one Sadiku Musa, 19, of the same address, in connection with the heinous act,” the statement added.

The police spokesperson said both cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Bauchi, for discreet and thorough investigations.

The state Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the incidents as heartbreaking and inhumane, assuring the families of the deceased children that the command would pursue justice.

“These are innocent souls. Children who looked up to adults for protection. We will ensure that justice speaks for Habiba and Mubarak,” the commissioner vowed.

The CP also commiserated with the bereaved families and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to pay closer attention to the safety of children.