Police Arrest Mother in Kebbi for Allegedly Burying Newborn Alive

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old woman for allegedly burying her newborn baby girl alive in Dandi Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday. According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Maryam Atiku from the Nasarawa area of Kamba, gave birth on June 25, 2025. Shortly after delivery, she allegedly tied the baby’s neck with three pieces of wrapper, covered her mouth, and carried her to a bush near Malam Yaro village, where she dug a shallow grave and buried the infant.

The following day, a farmer, Kabiru Muhammad, working on his farm noticed freshly disturbed soil and raised alarm. Residents who gathered at the scene exhumed the baby, finding her alive. She was immediately rushed to the General Hospital in Kamba, where doctors confirmed her condition was stable.

Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department in Birnin Kebbi later arrested Atiku, who reportedly confessed during interrogation.

Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, condemned the act and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to fighting child abuse and gender-based violence. He also urged parents and community leaders to protect children and not allow economic hardship to justify harmful practices.