Sani Haruna
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old woman, Maryam Atiku, of Nasarawa area, Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area, for allegedly burying her newborn baby girl alive.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, disclosed this to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
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According to him, the suspect delivered the baby, tied three pieces of wrapper around her neck, covered her mouth, and took her to Malam Yaro bush, where she dug a shallow hole and buried the child alive.
Her action was, however, uncovered when Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, a farmer, noticed a patch of disturbed soil resembling a fresh grave around his farm in Mallam Yaro village.
He raised an alarm, and with the help of nearby residents, exhumed the baby still alive.
The infant was immediately rushed to General Hospital, Kamba, where medical personnel confirmed she was stable after treatment.
On receiving the report, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Birnin Kebbi launched an operation that led to the arrest of the suspect. During preliminary investigation, she confessed to the crime.
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The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, condemned the act and reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and all forms of gender-based violence.
He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to safeguard children under their care and not compromise their future due to poverty or other challenges.
The CP further commended the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasare, for supporting the welfare of the rescued child, and appreciated Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad for his role in saving the baby’s life.
He assured that upon conclusion of investigations, the suspect would be charged to court for prosecution, to serve as a deterrent to others.