Police in Bauchi State have arrested two suspects over the deaths of two children in separate incidents in Alkaleri and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas.
The state police spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026.
According to the statement, the first case involved a boy who allegedly fell ill after drinking a beverage given to him by his stepmother, identified as 23-year-old Fatima Ibrahim, from Kwaimawa village.
The incident reportedly occurred on October 16. The boy began vomiting uncontrollably shortly after taking the drink and was initially rushed to the Primary Health Care Centre in Kwaimawa.
He was later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Gombe for further treatment. However, after battling for eight days, a doctor confirmed his death on October 24.
Habib said the police began investigating the case after receiving a report from the village head of Kwaimawa, leading to the arrest of the suspect.
“Following a report by the Village Head of Kwaimawa, detectives swung into action and arrested the suspect. She is now in custody as the investigation continues,” the statement said.
The second incident involved a five-year-old girl whose body was found in a water pit in Badaromo village.
Police said the girl's grandfather reported her missing at about 7 pm on October 23, prompting residents to search for her.
The search ended the following morning when her body was discovered in a small water pit behind the village at about 7 am on October 24.
According to the police, officers from Soro Division secured the scene and arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Sadiku Musa, who lives in the same area, in connection with the girl's death.
“Upon receiving the report, police operatives from Soro Division cordoned off the scene and arrested one Sadiku Musa, 19, of the same address, in connection with the heinous act,” the statement added.
The police said both cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for detailed investigations.
The state Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the deaths as heartbreaking and inhumane, promising that the suspects would face justice if found culpable.
The commissioner also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and called on parents, guardians and community leaders to take greater responsibility for protecting children.
Police arrest two suspects over deaths of children in Bauchi