*Shock In Kebbi
*Police Arrest Suspected Young Mother
Providence smiled on a baby buried alive in Kebbi State, North-West Nigeria, as she was rescued by an alert farmer, identified as Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Kamba, who was at work on his farm.
The incident, which shocked many persons, occurred in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
According to the State Police Command, the baby had a piece of wrapper tightly tied around its neck and was gagged with cloth to prevent her obviously pain-filled cries from being heard by outsiders, then dumped into the grave at Malam Yaro bush in the area.
The State Police Command said it came into the matter following an alert it received.
The baby was exhumed with the help of some residents.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chief Superintendent (CSP) Nafiu Abubakar, in a statement, said Alhaji Kamba, while working on his farm near the area, discovered a patch of freshly dug soil resembling a new grave.
“He raised an alarm and, with the help of nearby residents, exhumed the baby, who was found alive.
“The infant was rushed to General Hospital, Kamba, where doctors confirmed her condition as stable after receiving medical attention,” the police spokesman stated.
The statement added that, following investigation, the police arrested a 20-year-old lady, Maryam Atiku, for allegedly attempting to kill her newborn baby girl by burying her alive in Kamba.
It said the incident occurred on June 25, 2025, when Atiku allegedly tied the baby’s neck with wrappers, covered her mouth, and buried her in a shallow grave at the Yaro bush.
State Commissioner of Police (CP) Bello Sani, the statement noted, described the act as “inhuman and unacceptable,” reiterating the Command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence.
He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to protect children under their care and not compromise their future due to poverty or other pressures, even as he commended the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris, for supporting the welfare of the rescued baby and praised Alhaji Kamba for his timely intervention.
“The suspect will be arraigned in court, where she will face prosecution aimed at serving as a deterrent to others,” the statement added.
PHOTO CAPTION: The miracle baby (left), cuddled by Alhaji Kamba (right).
