A 16-year-old boy, Abubakar Aliyu, was buried alive by his two siblings over a heated disagreement which arose when a phone went missing, in Gauraki community, Kufaina ward, Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The victim however, survived the ordeal and the suspects, identified as Yahaya Abdulkadir (22) and Abdul Abdulkadir (18), cousins of the victim have been arrested by the police amidst investigations.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Human Services and Social Development in Kaduna State, Hajiya (Mrs) Rabi Salisu Ibrahim, commented on the incident describing it as shocking and disturbing.
”I’ve never seen someone buried alive apart from in film. 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 an abandoned property near a farm. It was a good samaritan who heard the boy coughing that raised an alarm which attracted other farmers that rescued the boy, as contained in the video which went viral in social media.” She told the BBC Hausa Service.
”The culprits were a 22-year-old and his brother, an 18-year-old who was 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 added.
Furthermore, the spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan confirmed the incident assuring the public that the culprits were in custody awaiting trial while investigations were in progress.
He explained that the three brothers were enmeshed in a misunderstanding in Abuja where they worked. Abubakar returned to Zaria after they had agreed to pay him, but they trailed him back to Zaria and buried him alive. ASP Hassan added that the culprits have since accepted committing the crime.
The Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development stated that it has taken decisive action following the horrific incident.
The Social Officer in charge of Zaria visited the community where the incident occurred to assess the situation and provide support. The Ministry has assured the public that justice will be served and that they will continue to monitor the case closely.
Also, the Kaduna State Government has condemned the action of the culprits in the strongest terms and has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens, especially the children.
