Police in Kebbi State have rescued a newborn girl who was allegedly buried alive by her 20-year-old mother in the Nasarawa area of Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area.
The mother, identified as Maryam Atiku, was arrested after reportedly attempting to take the life of her baby shortly after delivery on June 25, 2025. Police said she allegedly strangled the child with wrappers, covered her mouth, and buried her in a shallow grave at Malam Yaro bush.
The following day, farmer Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad noticed a freshly dug grave on his farmland. Suspecting foul play, he raised the alarm. Residents dug up the site and, to their shock, found the baby alive.
The infant was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Kamba, where doctors confirmed she was in stable condition.
Following the discovery, operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) swiftly arrested Atiku, who allegedly confessed to the act during interrogation.
Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, condemned the incident, describing it as “a grave act of child abuse and violence.” He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling child rights violations and gender-based violence, urging families and communities to prioritize child protection.
The Commissioner also commended farmer Kabiru Muhammad for his vigilance, which ultimately saved the child’s life, and acknowledged the support of the Kebbi First Lady, Zainab Nasir, who has stepped in to assist with the baby’s welfare.
