Two siblings have been arrested by the Police for burying a 16-year-old alive over a missing phone in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The bizarre incident, which went viral on social media and elicited public outrage and condemnation, drew the attention of the authorities in the State, which led to the arrest of the perpetrators, who are said to be brothers.
The horrific incident occurred in the Gauraki community of Kufaina Ward, in Zaria local government area of the State. The 16-year-old male victim, Abubakar, was buried alive after being accused of stealing a mobile phone by his cousins.
The State’s Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, said the incident was quite shocking and disturbing, stressing that the suspects would not go scot-free.
According to her, “I’ve never seen someone buried alive apart from what we see in films. This boy, Abubakar, a 16-year-old, was buried by his brothers because of a missing phone.
“They dug a hole, tied his hands backwards and sealed his mouth. They buried him, leaving only his head outside covered with rags inside an abandoned property near a farm. It was a good samaritan who heard the boy coughing that raised alarm which attracted other farmers that rescued the boy, as contained in the video, which went viral on social media.
“The culprits are a 22-year-old and his brother, an 18-year-old who were arrested by the police. We would be going to court after their investigation. The government would not take it lightly, in the protection of children’s rights and others whose rights are violated in Kaduna State,” the Commissioner stressed.
She added that victim, Abubakar Aliyu, survived the ordeal and has since been rescued. The suspects, identified as Yahaya Abdulkadir (20) and Abdul Abdulkadir (17), who are cousins of the victim, have been arrested by the police.
“The Social Officer in charge of Zaria visited the community where the incident occurred to assess the situation and provide necessary support. The Ministry has assured the public that justice will be served and that they will continue to monitor the case closely,” she assured.
“The Kaduna State Government has condemned the act in the strongest terms and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of all citizens, especially children. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” she further said.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mansir Hassan, who also confirmed the incident, assured that the culprits were cooling off their feets in the police detention.
He said an investigation over the incident was in progress before they would be taken to court for prosecution, adding that the culprits were Abubakar’s brothers who were enmeshed in a misunderstanding due to a missing phone in Abuja where they were working.
The PPRO added that the culprits have since confessed to their crime, and will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.
