Police arrest two suspects over deaths of minors in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old stepmother and a 19-year-old man over the deaths of two children in separate incidents in Alkaleri and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of the state.

The police said one of the children, a boy, died on October 24 after allegedly drinking a beverage given to him by his stepmother, identified as Fatima Ibrahim, 23, of Kwaimawa village.

The second victim, a five-year-old girl, was found dead in a water pit in Badaromo village, with a 19-year-old suspect, Sadiku Musa, arrested in connection with her death.

The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday, adding that both cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

According to Habib, the first incident occurred on October 16, when the boy allegedly drank a beverage given to him by his stepmother and began vomiting uncontrollably shortly afterwards.

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The child was initially rushed to a Primary Health Care Centre in Kwaimawa before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, for further treatment.

He battled for his life for eight days before a medical 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 the second incident, the police said the five-year-old girl’s grandfather reported her missing at about 7 pm on October 23, prompting a search by residents.

The search ended at about 7 am the following day when the girl’s body was discovered in a small water pit behind the village.

Habib said operatives from the Soro Divisional Police Headquarters cordoned off the scene and arrested Musa in connection with the incident.

The police did not disclose further details about the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the incidents 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,” he said.

The commissioner also commiserated with the families of the deceased children and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to pay closer attention to children’s safety.

The police said investigations into both incidents were ongoing.