On 24 October 2026, the [Bauchi State Police Command](https://bauchistate.gov.ng/police) announced the detention of two individuals suspected of being responsible for the deaths of two children in separate villages of the state. The arrests came after the tragic loss of a six‑year‑old boy in Kwaimawa community, Alkaleri Local Government Area, and a five‑year‑old girl in Zaila community, Ganjuwa Local Government Area, both events occurring within the same day.
**What happened in Alkaleri?**
The boy, identified as Mubarak Ibrahim, allegedly ingested a drink offered by his step‑mother, Fatima Ibrahim. Within minutes he began vomiting uncontrollably. His family rushed him first to the primary health centre in Kwaimawa and later to the [Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Gombe](https://fmcgombe.gov.ng), where doctors fought to revive him for eight days. On 24 October 2026, physicians confirmed his death. Following a report from the village head, detectives moved quickly and placed the step‑mother in police custody while the investigation continued.
**What occurred in Ganjuwa?**
In the Zaila community, five‑year‑old Jabiba Abubakar was reported missing while staying with her aunt and grandfather. Early on the morning of 24 October, villagers discovered her lifeless body in a shallow pit behind the settlement. Police units from the Soro Division secured the area and arrested a man identified as Sadiku Musa in connection with the killing.
**How are the cases being handled?**
Both investigations have been transferred to the [State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID)](https://bauchistate.gov.ng/scid) for detailed and discreet inquiry. The police spokesperson, SP Nafi’u Habib, confirmed that the suspects remain in custody as forensic examinations and witness statements are being compiled.
**What did the police leadership say?**
[Commissioner of Police CP Sani‑Omolori Aliyu](https://bauchistate.gov.ng/commissioner) described the incidents as “heart‑breaking and inhuman,” emphasizing that the victims were innocent children who trusted adults for protection. He pledged that “justice will speak for Habiba and Mubarak,” and expressed sympathy to the grieving families.
**What is being urged of the public?**
The commissioner called on parents, guardians and community leaders to keep a vigilant watch over children, report any suspicious behaviour promptly, and cooperate fully with law‑enforcement efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.