The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old mother, Maryam Atiku, for burying her newborn baby girl alive.
According to a statement issued by CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Maryam, who hails from the Nasarawa area of Kambi in Dandi Local Government Area of the state, delivered the baby at about 8:00 p.m. on June 25, 2025.
“Subsequently, the said Maryam tied her newborn baby with three pieces of wrappers around her neck, covered her mouth, conveyed the baby to Malam Yaro bush, dug a shallow hole and buried the baby alive.
“Fortunately, on the 26th June, 2025, at about 1230hrs, one Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad went to his farm located around Mallam Yaro village. While in the farm, he observed a disturbed patch of soil resembling a fresh grave. As a result, he raised an alarm which attracted the nearby people who rushed and assisted him in exhuming the baby alive,” the statement noted.
CSP Abubakar revealed that the baby was immediately taken to the General Hospital, Kamba, where she received medical attention and was confirmed to be in a stable condition.
“On receipt of the report, a team of detectives attached to the State Criminal investigation Department (SCID), Birnin Kebbi, swiftly swung into action, and succeeded in arresting the suspect. During preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed to the crime,” the spokesperson added.
Commenting on the arrest, Kebbi Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and all forms of gender-based violence.
CP Sani called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to fear Allah and take responsibility for the well-being of children under their care, urging them not to jeopardise the future of innocent lives due to poverty or other circumstances.
He also expressed gratitude to the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajia Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris for her support and magnanimity towards taking good care of the rescued newborn baby, as well as her custodian, Alhaji Muhammad.
The statement added: “Upon completion of a diligent investigation, the suspect has been arraigned in court for prosecution, with a view to serving as a deterrent to would-be criminals.”
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