In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Bauchi State, an 18-year-old pregnant housewife, Khadija Adamu, has been apprehended by local authorities on allegations of fatally beating her five-year-old stepdaughter, Hafsat Garba. The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad, addressed the press at the command’s headquarters on Tuesday, revealing disturbing details surrounding the incident.

According to Commissioner Muhammad, the distressing incident unfolded on the evening of September 28, 2023, at approximately 9:25 pm. Abdulaziz Adamu, a 38-year-old resident of the Kandahar area in Bauchi, reported to the A’ Divisional Police Headquarters that earlier that day, at around 4 pm, Khadija Adamu, who resides in the same area, subjected her stepdaughter Hafsat Garba to a severe beating. Tragically, young Hafsat sustained grave injuries as a result of the assault.

Upon receiving the report, a team of diligent detectives, under the guidance of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), swiftly responded. They arrived at the scene and promptly transported the injured child to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi for urgent medical care. Regrettably, the medical doctor on duty later pronounced Hafsat Garba deceased, confirming the severity of her injuries.

Commissioner Muhammad explained that preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect’s actions stemmed from an allegation that her stepdaughter had soiled her clothing with feces. This allegation led to a brutal assault that resulted in various degrees of bodily harm.

Khadija Adamu, upon questioning by authorities, confessed to her involvement in the tragic incident without much protest. The investigation is still ongoing, with the intent of presenting the suspect before a court of law to face charges commensurate with the established offense. This heartbreaking case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of child protection and the need for swift justice in cases of child abuse.