Shock in Bauchi as police arrest two suspects over separate incidents involving a boy and a five-year-old girl, promising justice for the deceased children.
Residents of Bauchi State have been thrown into mourning following the deaths of two children in separate incidents, with police arresting a 23-year-old stepmother and a 19-year-old man in connection with the cases.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the arrests, saying the incidents occurred in Alkaleri and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, explaining that both cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Boy Dies After Allegedly Drinking Beverage From Stepmother
According to the police, the first incident occurred on October 16, 2026, in Kwaimawa village, where a boy allegedly fell seriously ill after drinking a beverage given to him by his stepmother, identified as Fatima Ibrahim, 23.
Habib said the child began vomiting uncontrollably shortly after consuming the drink and was rushed to a Primary Health Care Centre in Kwaimawa.
He was later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, for further treatment.
Despite medical attention, the boy reportedly battled for his life for eight days before a doctor confirmed his death on October 24.
The police spokesperson said detectives launched an investigation after receiving a report from the village head of Kwaimawa, leading to the arrest of the stepmother.
The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Five-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Water Pit
In a separate incident, tragedy struck Badaromo village after a five-year-old girl was found dead in a small water pit behind the community.
Police said the girl’s grandfather reported her missing at about 7 pm on October 23, prompting residents to launch a search for her.
The search ended in tragedy at about 7 am the following day when the child’s body was discovered in the pit.
Following the report, police operatives from the Soro Division cordoned off the scene and arrested a 19-year-old suspect, identified as Sadiku Musa, in connection with the incident.
The police said the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death were being investigated.
Police Promise Justice for Deceased Children
The command confirmed that 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 work to ensure 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.
Aliyu also sympathised with the families of the deceased and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant and pay closer attention to children’s safety.
The arrests have heightened calls for justice as investigations continue into the deaths of the two minors.
