The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of multiple suspects following the abduction and brutal murder of two seven-year-old girls in Toro local government council of the state.
The tragedy, which unfolded on July 22, has triggered violent unrest in the community.
In a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the police said 19-year-old Esther Gambo of Lemoro Village lured the victims, Khadija Sama’ila and A’isha Dahiru, from Unguwan Sarkin Yaki under the guise of a visit.
Investigations, according to the PPRO. revealed that Gambo’s primary target was a newborn baby girl belonging to Nafisa Dahiru. After abducting the infant, she reportedly took the two girls to a nearby maize farm, where she killed them with a machete before fleeing.
A swift joint operation involving the police and local vigilantes led to Gambo’s arrest, the recovery of the murdered girls’ bodies, and the rescue of the kidnapped baby.
News of the killings sparked outrage, particularly among youths, who launched reprisal attacks on religious centers and attempted to set the Tulu Divisional Police Headquarters ablaze.
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Security reinforcements from the Area Command in Toro and adjoining divisions were deployed to contain the unrest and prevent further destruction. Several individuals have since been arrested in connection with the violent protests.
Condemning both the killings and the retaliatory violence, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, urged residents to remain calm and allow justice to take its course.
“No one has the right to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the situation,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims while maintaining peace and public order.”
He assured the public that investigations are ongoing and called for cooperation from residents to aid in the pursuit of justice and long-term stability in the area.