Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the deaths of two children in separate incidents in Alkaleri and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of the state, with investigations ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedies.
The police public relations officer, Bauchi state police command, Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, identifying the suspects as Fatima Ibrahim, 23, the stepmother of a boy who died after allegedly consuming a drink given to him, and Sadiku Musa, 19, who was arrested in connection with the death of a five-year-old girl.
According to Habib, the first incident occurred on October 16, 2026, when the boy allegedly drank a beverage given to him by his stepmother in Kwaimawa village, Alkaleri Local Government Area.
He said the child began vomiting uncontrollably shortly after taking the drink and was rushed to the Primary Health Care Centre in Kwaimawa before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, for further treatment.
Despite efforts to save his life, the boy reportedly battled for eight days before a medical doctor confirmed his death on October 24.
Habib said detectives swung into action following a report by the village head of Kwaimawa and subsequently arrested Ibrahim, who remains in custody as investigations continue.
In a separate incident, police arrested Musa in connection with the death of a five-year-old girl whose body was discovered in a water pit in Badaromo village, Ganjuwa Local Government Area.
The police spokesperson said the girl’s grandfather had reported her missing at about 7pm on October 23, prompting a search by residents of the community.
The search ended tragically at about 7am the following day when the child’s body was discovered in a small water pit behind the village.
According to the statement, operatives from the Soro Police Division cordoned off the scene and arrested Musa, a resident of the same community, in connection with the incident.
The police said 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 pursue 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 said.
He also commiserated with the families of the deceased and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to pay closer attention to the safety and welfare of children.
The police said investigations into both cases were continuing.
