The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the separate deaths of two children in Alkaleri and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the cases involved a boy who died after allegedly consuming a drink given to him by his stepmother and a five-year-old girl whose body was found in a water pit.
Habib said the first incident occurred on October 16, 2026, in Kwaimawa village, where the boy allegedly drank a beverage given to him by his 23-year-old stepmother, Fatima Ibrahim.
According to him, the child began vomiting uncontrollably shortly after consuming the drink and was initially taken to the Primary Health Care Centre in Kwaimawa.
He was later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, for further medical attention.
The police spokesperson said the boy remained under treatment 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 partly read.
In the second incident, a five-year-old girl was found dead in a water pit in Badaromo village on October 24, following a search launched after she was reported missing.
Habib said the girl’s grandfather reported her disappearance to the police at about 7 pm on October 23, prompting residents to search for her in the community.
The search ended the following morning when the child’s body was discovered in a small water pit behind the village at about 7 am.
“Upon receiving the report, police operatives from Soro Division cordoned off the scene and arrested one Sadiku Musa, 19, of the same address, in connection with the heinous act,” the statement added.
The command said both cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for discreet and thorough investigations.
The state Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the incidents as heartbreaking and inhumane, assuring the bereaved families that the police 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 commiserated with the families of the deceased and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to pay closer attention to children’s safety.
