The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 16 individuals linked to the abduction and gruesome murder of two seven-year-old girls in Unguwan Sarkin Yaki village, Toro Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Ahmed Wakil, said the incident occurred on July 22, 2025. “At about 1500 hours, a 19-year-old individual, Esther Gambo, from Lemoro village in Toro LGA, reportedly enticed two seven-year-old girls, Khadija Sama’ila and A’isha Dahiru, from Unguwan Sarkin Yaki village,” he said.
Upon receiving the report, a team of police officers, in collaboration with local vigilantes, launched an operation that led to the discovery of the bodies of the missing girls, the arrest of the prime suspect, and the rescue of a kidnapped newborn baby.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Gambo had lured the two girls with the intent to abduct a newborn female child belonging to Nafisa Dahiru. After allegedly taking the baby, she reportedly led the girls to a nearby maize farm and killed them with a machete before fleeing.
According to Wakil, 15 other suspects believed to be connected to the crime were subsequently apprehended. They include Abbas Abdullahi (20), Mubarak Auwal (19), Abdullahi Muhammad a.k.a P.A (19), Dauda Abdullahi (19), Abubakar Sama’ila (18), Abdulmutallib Ibrahim (18), Yazid Auwal (20), Abdulrahman Ibrahim (17), Abdulwahid Sulaiman (17), Salihu Shuaibu (20), Sirajo Halliru (24), Musayib Abdullahi (21), Ibrahim Abubakar (19), Esther Idi (19), Gambo Yakubu (20), and Idi Bitrus (50).
The incident sparked violent protests in the area, particularly among local youths. “The killing triggered unrest, with mobs setting fire to churches and attempting to burn down the Tulu Divisional Police Headquarters,” Wakil said.
Reinforcements from the Toro Area Command and nearby divisions were deployed, successfully restoring calm and preventing further escalation.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has assured the public of a thorough investigation. He urged residents to remain calm and trust in the legal process.
“While we understand the public outrage, we call on citizens to uphold the law and avoid acts that undermine peace and security,” the Commissioner said. “Law enforcement must remain the responsibility of trained authorities. Everyone deserves due process, regardless of the situation.”
He further emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ensuring justice and maintaining order across Bauchi State.
