The Kaduna State Government has expressed deep outrage after the police arrested two brothers for burying a 16-year-old man alive over a missing mobile phone in Zaria, Kaduna State. The shocking incident has drawn widespread condemnation and highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victim.
The victim, identified as Abubakar Aliyu, was accused by his cousins of stealing a mobile phone. The horrific event took place in the Gauraki community of Kufaina Ward, within the Zaria local government area. The suspects, Yahaya Abdulkadir, 20, and his younger brother, Abdul Abdulkadir, 17, reportedly took the law into their own hands by burying Abubakar alive after tying his hands and sealing his mouth. They left him partially buried with only his head exposed and covered with rags in an abandoned property near a farm.
The case came to light after a good Samaritan, who heard Abubakar coughing, raised the alarm. The alert attracted other farmers in the area who rushed to the scene and rescued him. The incident quickly went viral on social media, prompting widespread public outrage and the involvement of the authorities.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, condemned the act, describing it as “shocking and disturbing.”
She emphasized that the government would not tolerate such inhumane treatment and would ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
“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,” Salisu said.
The Commissioner assured the public that justice would be served and that the government remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, especially children.
“The culprits are a 22-year-old and his brother, a 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,” she stressed.
Salisu also noted that the Social Officer in charge of Zaria had visited the community where the incident occurred to assess the situation and provide the necessary support. She further assured that the Ministry would continue to monitor the case closely to ensure justice is done.
The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrests and the ongoing investigation. He stated that the suspects are currently in police custody and will be prosecuted upon the completion of the investigation.
“The culprits were Abubakar’s brothers who were enmeshed in a misunderstanding due to a missing phone in Abuja where they were working,” Hassan said.
The PPRO added that the suspects have confessed to their crime and will face charges in court soon. The Kaduna State Government has condemned the act in the strongest terms, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of all citizens, particularly children. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.