- 20-year-old Maryam Atiku allegedly buried her newborn alive in Kamba
- Farmer discovered the grave and raised the alarm; baby found alive
- Infant taken to hospital, confirmed to be in stable condition
Police in Kebbi State have rescued a newborn baby girl who was allegedly buried alive by her 20-year-old mother in the Nasarawa area of Kamba, located in Dandi Local Government Area.
The mother, identified as Maryam Atiku, was arrested after reportedly attempting to kill her child shortly after giving birth on June 25, 2025. According to police reports, Atiku allegedly strangled the baby using wrappers, covered her mouth, and buried her in a shallow grave in the Malam Yaro bush.
The following day, a local farmer, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, discovered a suspiciously fresh mound of earth on his farmland. Suspecting something was wrong, he alerted the community. Upon digging, residents were shocked to find the baby still alive.
The infant was rushed to the General Hospital in Kamba, where medical personnel confirmed she was in stable condition.
In response, operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) apprehended Atiku, who reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation.
Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a heinous act of child abuse and violence. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating child rights violations and gender-based violence, and called on families and communities to remain vigilant and prioritize the protection of vulnerable children.
CP Sani also praised Kabiru Muhammad for his alertness, which saved the child’s life, and thanked Kebbi State First Lady, Zainab Nasir, for stepping in to support the infant’s welfare.
