The Kebbi state police command says its operatives have arrested 20-year-old Maryam Atiku for attempting to bury her newborn baby girl alive in a bush in Dandi LGA of the state.
In a statement, Nafiu Abubakar, police spokesperson in Kebbi, said the incident happened on June 25, around 8 pm, when Maryam, a resident of the Nasarawa area of Kamba, gave birth and allegedly tied three wrappers around the baby’s neck, covered her mouth, and buried her in a shallow grave at Malam Yaro bush.
He said Kabiru Muhammad, a farmer, discovered a disturbed patch of soil resembling a fresh grave while working on his farm near Mallam Yaro village.
According to the police spokesperson, the farmer raised an alarm, and with the help of nearby residents, the baby was exhumed alive.
He noted that the baby was immediately rushed to General Hospital, Kamba, where she received medical attention and was certified to be in stable condition.
“On receiving the report, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Birnin Kebbi, swiftly arrested the suspect,” he said.
Abubakar said Maryam confessed to the crime during the preliminary investigation.
He acknowledged the support of the wife of the Kebbi state governor, Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, for her intervention in ensuring the rescued child’s welfare, as well as the efforts of the farmer, whose quick action saved the baby’s life.
He said upon completion of the investigation, the suspect was arraigned in court for prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.
