The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old woman, Maryam Atiku, for allegedly attempting to mvrder her newborn baby girl in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area. Authorities say Maryam buried the infant in a shallow grave at Malam Yaro bush on June 25 before a farmer made a shocking discovery.
Police spokesman, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, described the incident as despicable, explaining that the young mother allegedly tied the baby’s neck with wrappers, covered her mouth, and buried her. The following day, June 26, farmer Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad noticed a patch of disturbed soil on his farmland, suspected it to be a fresh grave, and raised the alarm.
With the help of residents, the baby was exhumed and found miraculously alive. She was immediately taken to General Hospital, Kamba, where doctors confirmed she was stable after treatment. Police detectives later arrested Maryam, who reportedly confessed to the act during interrogation.
Condemning the incident, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, labelled the act “inhuman and unacceptable,” reiterating the command’s zero tolerance for child abuse and gender-based violence. He urged parents and community leaders not to compromise children’s futures because of poverty or societal pressure.
The Commissioner also commended the farmer for his life-saving intervention and the Kebbi First Lady, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris, for supporting the rescued child’s welfare. Police confirmed that Maryam will be arraigned in court to face prosecution.
