By Ado Oyeyemi
The Yobe State Police Command has arrested a woman and an alleged accomplice in connection with the death of a newborn baby girl in Damaturu, the state capital.
The police described the incident as a disturbing act and vowed to ensure that those found culpable face prosecution.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, Dungus Abdulkarim, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit launched an investigation following a distress report concerning the death of the infant.
Preliminary findings indicated that the baby, who was recently delivered by one of the suspects, died under suspicious circumstances.
The police alleged that the child’s body was concealed in a box and later abandoned behind a mosque in the Anguwar Boka area of Damaturu.
Abdulkarim disclosed that swift action by detectives led to the arrest of two suspects, who are currently assisting investigators.
“The case is still under investigation as the command continues to gather evidence and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, condemned the incident, stressing that every child has a right to life, dignity and protection under the law.
He warned that the command would not tolerate violence against children or vulnerable members of society, adding that anyone found responsible would be prosecuted.
“Every human life is valuable and must be protected.
The command remains committed to ensuring justice in this matter and in all cases involving crimes against children,” the commissioner stated.
The police further reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the rights of children and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
The incident comes days after the Anambra State Police Command foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn daughter in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area.
The Anambra command said its operatives acted on credible intelligence and successfully prevented the transaction, securing both the mother and child before reuniting them with family members.
The two incidents have heightened concerns over crimes involving infants, with security agencies renewing calls for greater protection of vulnerable children and stricter enforcement of child rights.
