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Bauchi Police Arrest Stepmother, 19-Year-Old Over Deaths of Two Children
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the deaths of two children in separate incidents in Alkaleri and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of the state.
The suspects, identified as Fatima Ibrahim, 23, and Sadiku Musa, 19, were arrested following investigations into the deaths of a boy and a five-year-old girl.
The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
According to Habib, the first incident occurred on October 16, 2026, when the boy allegedly drank a beverage given to him by his stepmother, Ibrahim, of Kwaimawa village.
The child reportedly began vomiting uncontrollably shortly after consuming the drink. He was initially taken to a Primary Health Care Centre in Kwaimawa before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, for further treatment.
Habib said the boy battled for his life for eight days before a doctor confirmed his death 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 said.
In a separate incident, a five-year-old girl was found dead in a water pit in Badaromo village on October 24.
The police spokesperson said the girl’s grandfather had reported her missing at about 7 pm on October 23, prompting residents to begin a search.
The search ended at about 7 am the following day when the child’s body was discovered in a small water pit behind the village.
Police operatives from Soro Division subsequently cordoned off the scene and arrested Musa, a resident of the community, in connection with the incident.
Habib said both cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for discreet and thorough investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the deaths as heartbreaking and inhumane, assuring the bereaved families 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 said.
Aliyu commiserated with the families and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant and prioritise the safety of children.
