The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, Sahabi Rabi’u, for the gruesome killing of a nursing mother and her 10-month-old baby in Sheme village, Faskari Local Government Area of the state.
According to the command, Rabi’u confessed during interrogation that he and an accomplice—who is now on the run—lured the 30-year-old woman and her child to the outskirts of the community, where they were murdered. The suspects reportedly burnt the bodies before dumping them inside a nearby well.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects were entangled in a paternity dispute with the victim, a conflict that allegedly escalated into the deadly attack. Police say the killing was premeditated and aimed at eliminating both the woman and her child.
The remains of the victims have been recovered and taken for further examination, while the arrested suspect remains in custody. Authorities say a manhunt is underway for the fleeing accomplice.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abubakar Sadiq said Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, condemned the killing, describing it as “barbaric and inhumane.” He assured residents that the investigation will be thorough and that justice will be served.
The command appealed to the public for information that could aid in the arrest of the second suspect, promising that all tips would be treated with utmost confidentiality. Further updates, the police added, will be provided as the investigation progresses.
