An 11-year-old girl, Fadila, has reportedly died after allegedly being beaten by her mother, Khadija, in the Tukur area of Zaria, Kaduna State.
The incident occurred on Saturday, shortly before the Maghrib prayer.
According to eyewitness accounts, Khadija accused her daughter of stealing ₦100 given to her during the Sallah celebrations and allegedly assaulted her with a pestle.
The girl later died from her injuries.
The incident has caused outrage among local residents.
Some community members refused to attend the girl’s funeral, calling the death a “grave injustice.” One woman from the neighbourhood alleged that Khadija had a history of abusing her daughter, particularly when she returned with problems from street hawking.
“We refused to pray over her because justice was denied. Everyone acted like it wasn’t serious,” another resident said.
Fadila’s father, Malam Mustapha Musa, said he was not present when the assault took place.
“I came back to meet the situation. I don’t know how it happened,” he told reporters.
Khadija admitted to beating the girl but denied intending to cause her death.
“Yes, I beat her, but I didn’t mean to kill her. Only the children were at home when it happened,” she said.
The girl’s remains were taken to their hometown in Kano State, where her father conducted the burial. “I’ve left everything to God,” he added.
A local vigilante official stated that Khadija and her husband were initially questioned, but the matter was handed over to the police.
As of now, the Kaduna State Police Command has not issued an official statement.