The Gombe State Police Command says it has recorded a breakthrough in crime-fighting with the rescue of two abandoned infants and the arrest of two teenagers over an alleged rape.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, stressing that the Command remains resolute in protecting vulnerable groups across the state.
He explained that on September 15, a three-month-old baby girl was rescued after her mother, 20-year-old Fatima Abdullahi from Damaturu, Yobe State, allegedly conspired with another woman, Adama Ibrahim, to hand the infant over to one Fatima Haruna of Liji Quarters, Gombe. Haruna reportedly fled with the baby before detectives tracked and arrested the suspects at the Trailer Park in Tumfure, Akko Local Government Area.
“The suspects were traced and taken into custody. Investigation is ongoing, and they will face charges in court once the process is concluded,” DSP Abdullahi said.
In another case, a newborn baby boy was abandoned in a carton and later rescued by a tricycle rider, Auwal Abdullahi, on September 9. According to police, the unidentified mother boarded his tricycle in Gombe, but abandoned the carton while pretending to withdraw money from a POS operator. The rider later discovered the baby inside and reported the matter to the Gona Police Division.
“The infant was immediately placed in safe custody and handed over to the Gombe State Social Welfare Department. Efforts are being made to trace the woman who abandoned him,” the police spokesman added.
The Command also confirmed the arrest of two 14-year-old herders, Danladi Babangida and Samaila Sulaiman, for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl who was fetching firewood in Pindiga, Akko LGA, on September 12.
“Following a report, the suspects were swiftly arrested. They confessed to the crime, and both the victim and suspects were taken to General Hospital, Kashere, for medical examination. The case has been transferred to the Gender Unit of the State CID for thorough investigation,” Abdullahi stated.
He strongly condemned the rising cases of sexual violence and child abandonment, urging residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
“The Command will not relent in its duty to protect the most vulnerable. Perpetrators of heinous crimes will face the full weight of the law,” DSP Abdullahi assured.
