Two children are dead in separate tragic incidents in Bauchi State, with the police arresting a 23-year-old stepmother and a 19-year-old man over the cases.
The Bauchi State Police Command said the suspects were arrested in connection with the deaths of Mubarak, a young boy who allegedly fell ill after drinking a beverage given to him by his stepmother, and five-year-old Habiba, whose body was found in a water pit.
Police spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026.
According to the police, the first incident occurred on October 16 in Kwaimawa village, where Fatima Ibrahim, 23, allegedly gave her stepson a beverage.
The boy reportedly began vomiting uncontrollably shortly after drinking it and was rushed to a Primary Health Care Centre in the community.
He was later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, for further treatment as his condition worsened.
Despite efforts to save him, Mubarak died on October 24, eight days after the incident.
The police said detectives arrested Fatima following a complaint by the village head, adding that she remained in custody as investigations continued.
In the second incident, five-year-old Habiba was found dead in a water pit in Badaromo village after she was reported missing.
Her grandfather reportedly alerted the police at about 7pm on October 23, prompting residents to join a search for the child.
The search ended in tragedy at about 7am the following day when her body was discovered in a small water pit behind the village.
Police operatives attached to the Soro Division subsequently arrested Sadiku Musa, 19, in connection with the incident.
The command said both cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for discreet and thorough investigations.
Reacting to the deaths, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the incidents 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,” he said.
The police commissioner also commiserated with the families and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to pay closer attention to children’s safety.
The police have yet to disclose the motive behind either incident, while the circumstances surrounding the two deaths remain under investigation.
