Man over death of missing 5-year-old girl in Bauchi

Wednesday, October 28 2026 - The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the death of a 5-year-old girl, Habiba Abubakar in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Nafiu Habib, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 26, 2026 said Habiba's body was found in a water pit in Badaromo village.

 He said the girl's grandfather reported her missing on October 23, prompting residents to search for her.

 The following morning her body was discovered in a small water pit behind the village on October 24.

 According to the PPRO, officers from Soro Division secured the scene and arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Sadiku Musa, who lives in the same area, in connection with the girl's death

“On 23rd October, 2026 at about 1900hrs, her grandfather, a resident of Badaromo Village, reported she was missing. The whole village searched. They called her name until nightfall. No answer,” the statement read.

"At dawn on 24th October, 2026 at about 0700hrs, hope turned to horror, her tiny body was found abandoned in a small water pit behind the village. A 5-year-old girl, alone, lifeless in a pit.

"Upon receiving the report, Police operatives from Soro Division cordoned off the scene and arrested one Sadiku Musa 'M' 19 years old of same address in connection with the heinous act. No parent, no grandparent should bury a 5-year-old like this.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi for discreet and thorough investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has described the incident and the poisoning of a six-year-old boy by his stepmother, as heartbreaking and inhuman.

“These are innocent souls. Children who looked up to adults for protection. We will ensure that justice speaks for Habiba and Mubarak,” the CP vowed, while commiserating with their families.

He urges parents, guardians and community leaders to watch over their children more closely and to promptly report strange persons or suspicious movements.