Kebbi Woman Arrested for Allegedly Burying Her Newborn Baby in Shallow Grave
A 20-year-old woman identified as Maryam Atiku, has been arrested by the Kebbi State Police Command for attempted murder of her newborn baby girl.
Maryam, who hails from Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, was alleged to have buried her newborn baby in a shallow grave at Malam Yaro bush on June 25, before a farmer rescued the baby.
Confirming the alarming incident in a statement, on Wednesday, the command spokesman, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, described the incident as despicable.
According to him, “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 the 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,” he said.
Following report of the incident, Abubakar said police detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department swiftly arrested Maryam.
He claimed that she confessed to the crime during interrogation.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, has condemned the act describing it as “inhuman and unacceptable,” reiterating the Command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence.
”He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to protect children under their care and not compromise their future due to poverty or other pressures.
“The Police Commissioner commended the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris, for supporting the welfare of the rescued baby and praised Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad for his timely intervention.
“The suspect will be arraigned in court, where she will face prosecution aimed at serving as a deterrent to others.”
