Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the deaths of two children, aged five and six, in Alkaleri and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of the state.
The incidents involved six-year-old Mubarak Ibrahim, who died on October 24 after reportedly falling ill following a drink allegedly given to him by his stepmother, and five-year-old Habiba Abubakar, whose body was found in a water pit in Zaila village, Ganjuwa LGA.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the first incident occurred in Kwaimawa village, Alkaleri LGA, on October 16, when Mubarak allegedly took a drink given to him by his 23-year-old stepmother, Fatima Ibrahim.
According to the police, the child began vomiting shortly afterwards and was taken to the Primary Health Care Centre in Kwaimawa before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, for further treatment.
He reportedly died on October 24, eight days after the incident.
The police said detectives arrested the suspect following a report by the village head of Kwaimawa, adding that she remained in custody as investigations continued.
In a separate incident in Zaila village, Ganjuwa LGA, the body of five-year-old Habiba Abubakar was discovered in a water pit behind the village on the morning of October 24.
The police said the girl’s grandfather, who resides in Badaromo village, had reported her missing on October 23 at about 7 p.m., prompting a search by members of the community.
According to the statement, operatives attached to the Soro Divisional Police Headquarters cordoned off the scene after the body was discovered and arrested a 19-year-old suspect, identified as Sadiku Musa, in connection with the incident.
The police said both cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for further investigation.
Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the deaths as heartbreaking and inhumane.
The commissioner assured the bereaved families that the command would pursue justice for the deceased children.
He also urged parents, guardians and community leaders to strengthen supervision of children and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
The police said investigations into both incidents were ongoing.
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