The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested five suspects over separate cases of alleged sexual abuse involving children in different parts of the state.
The arrests followed complaints from parents and community members in Yana, Tudun Gambo, Misau, Gadau and Gumau, according to a statement released on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib.
One of the suspects, identified as 44-year-old Shawilu Liman, was arrested after a father reported the alleged sexual assault of his eight-year-old daughter at Disina Village in Yana Local Government Area.
The police said the complaint was lodged on November 2, two days after the alleged incident. The victim was subsequently taken to General Hospital, Yana, for medical attention.
In another case, an 18-year-old suspect, Zakariya Auwal, was arrested over the alleged defilement of a four-year-old girl in Tudun Gambo, Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The incident was reported on October 20, after which the child was taken to Tudun Gambo Health Care Centre for medical examination and treatment.
Similarly, police arrested 19-year-old Idris Sani following allegations that he lured a six-year-old girl to a farm and sexually assaulted her at Gwaram Village in Misau Local Government Area on November 4.
The victim was later taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Misau, for medical examination.
Another suspect, 40-year-old Mansur Sha’aibu, from Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State, was arrested over the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old boy in Atawari Village, Gadau District.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly lured the boy into a room and assaulted him on November 5. The victim was subsequently taken to General Hospital, Azare, for medical examination.
In a separate incident, a 25-year-old man, Michael Soja, was arrested over the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl at Dangara Village in Toro Local Government Area.
Inside Bauchi state:
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Recover Stolen Vehicle In Bauchi
Police Arrest 27-Year-Old Over Alleged Poisoning of Motorcyclist to Steal Bike In Bauchi
Police Arrest 32-Year-Old Man for Allegedly Using 9-Year-Old Boy to Traffic Drugs In Bauchi
The police said the girl was allegedly attacked in a bush on November 3 while tending to her family’s cattle. Both the suspect and the victim were taken to General Hospital, Toro, for medical examination.
The command confirmed that all five suspects were in custody, adding that investigations were ongoing. It said they would be charged to court after the investigations were concluded.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged offences and assured residents that the command would work to ensure that anyone found responsible was brought to justice.
He urged parents, guardians, teachers and community leaders to remain vigilant, pay attention to children’s safety and promptly report suspected cases of abuse to the nearest police station.
The commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling sexual and gender-based violence, particularly offences involving minors.
About the Author
