The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old woman, Maryam Atiku, for allegedly attempting to kill her newborn baby by burying her alive in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday.
According to the statement, *“the incident occurred on June 25, 2025, when Maryam allegedly tied the baby’s neck with wrappers, covered her mouth, and buried her in a shallow grave at Malam Yaro bush.
“The following day, June 26, a farmer, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, while working on his farm near the area, discovered a patch of disturbed soil resembling a fresh grave.
“He raised an alarm and, with the help of nearby residents, exhumed the baby, who was found alive. The infant was rushed to General Hospital, Kamba, where doctors confirmed her condition as stable after receiving medical attention.”
The statement added that detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department arrested the suspect, who later confessed during interrogation.
The Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, condemned the act, describing it as “inhuman and unacceptable,” while restating the command’s commitment to tackling child abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence.
He commended the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris, for supporting the rescued baby, and also praised Muhammad, the farmer, for his timely intervention.
The police said the suspect would be charged in court.