Horrific: Stepmother Arrested Over Suspected Killing of Stepson as Another Child Found Dead in Water Pit in Bauchi

By Nasiru Hassan

In a heartbreaking and horrific development, the Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the deaths of two children, aged six and five, in separate incidents in Alkaleri and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of the state.

The victims were identified as Mubarak Ibrahim, six, who died after allegedly consuming a drink given to him by his 23-year-old stepmother, Fatima Ibrahim, and Habiba Abubakar, five, whose body was discovered in a water pit after she was reported missing.

According to a press release issued by the Command on Monday, October 26, 2026, Mubarak became seriously ill shortly after allegedly taking the drink at Kwaimawa village in Alkaleri LGA on October 16.

He was initially rushed to the Primary Health Care Centre in Kwaimawa before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gombe, where he received treatment for eight days. He died on October 24, and a doctor subsequently confirmed his death.

The police said the suspect was arrested following a report by the village head of Kwaimawa, while investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the boy's death.

In a separate incident in Zaila village, Ganjuwa LGA, five-year-old Habiba Abubakar was reported missing by her grandfather on October 23.

After a search by residents, her body was discovered at about 7:00 a.m. on October 24 in a small water pit behind the village.

Police operatives attached to the Soro Division subsequently arrested a 19-year-old suspect, identified as Sadiku Musa, in connection with the incident.

The Command said both cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for discreet and thorough investigation.

Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the deaths as heartbreaking and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

He assured the families that the police would work to ensure justice for the two children and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to strengthen child protection measures and promptly report suspicious activities to the authorities.

The police reiterated their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into both cases.