The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the deaths of two children — 6-year-old Mubarak Ibrahim and 5-year-old Habiba Abubakar — in Alkaleri and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafi’u Habib, disclosed this in a press release issued on Monday, October 26, 2026.
According to the release, the first incident occurred in Kwaimawa village, Alkaleri LGA, where 6-year-old Mubarak Ibrahim allegedly died after taking a drink given to him by his stepmother.
The PPRO said the incident happened on October 16, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., and the boy started vomiting uncontrollably shortly after taking the drink. He was first rushed to PHC Kwaimawa and later referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, where he died eight days later on October 24.
Following a report by the Village Head of Kwaimawa, police detectives arrested the suspect, Fatima Ibrahim, 23, of Kwaimawa village. She is currently in custody as investigation continues.
In the second case, 5-year-old Habiba Abubakar, who was staying with her aunt in Zaila Village, Ganjuwa LGA, was found dead in a water pit behind the village.
Habib said the girl’s grandfather, a resident of Badaromo Village, had reported her missing on October 23, at about 7:00 p.m., prompting a search by the community.
He said her body was discovered at about 7:00 a.m. on October 24, abandoned in a small water pit.
Police operatives from Soro Division cordoned off the scene and arrested one Sadiku Musa, 19, of the same address, in connection with the death.
Both cases have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for discreet and thorough investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the incidents as heartbreaking and inhuman, vowing that justice would be served.
“These are innocent souls. Children who looked up to adults for protection. We will ensure that justice speaks for Habiba and Mubarak,” the CP said.
He commiserated with the families of the victims and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to be more vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements.