The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old woman, Maryam Atiku, from Kamba in the Dandi Local Government Area, for the attempted murder of her newborn baby.
According to Police Public Relations Officer Nafiu Abubakar, the incident occurred on June 25, 2025. Maryam allegedly delivered a baby girl and then strangled her with a wrapper, covered her mouth, and buried her in a shallow grave in the Malam Yaro bush. The following day, a farmer, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, noticed the fresh grave on his farmland. His quick thinking prompted residents to dig up the site, where they discovered the infant still alive.
The baby was immediately taken to the General Hospital in Kamba and is now in stable condition.
State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) operatives quickly apprehended the suspect, who reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation.
Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, condemned the act and restated the command’s commitment to combating child abuse and gender-based violence. He urged parents and community leaders to protect children and ensure their safety. The commissioner also praised farmer Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad for his timely intervention and thanked Kebbi First Lady, Zainab Nasir, for her support in the baby’s welfare.
