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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Two brothers have been arrested for allegedly burying their 16-year-old cousin, Abubakar Aliyu alive over a missing phone in Gauraki community, Kufaina ward, Zaria, Kaduna State.
The suspects are being interrogated by the homicide section of the Force .
The incident which went viral on social media, drew the attention of the authorities in the state which led to the arrest of the suspects.
The Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development in Kaduna State, Hajiya Rabi Salisu Ibrahim,said the incident was quite shocking and disturbing.
She said: “I have never seen someone that was buried alive except in movies. This boy, Abubakar, 16, was buried alive by his cousins 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, but covered with rags inside an abandoned property near a farm. It was a good Nigerian, who heard the boy coughing and raised the alarm which attracted other farmers that rescued the boy, as contained in the video which went viral in social media.
“The culprits: 20 and 18, who have been arrested by the police.
We would be going to Court after police investigation. The Government would not take the mater lightly. We will take the issue of child’s protection and that of others whose rights are violated in Kaduna state seriously.
“ We have taken decisive action following the horrific incident. The victim, Abubakar Aliyu, survived the ordeal and has since been rescued. The suspects: 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 assures the public that justice will be served and we shall continue to monitor the case closely.
“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”.
The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),ASP Mansir Hassan, assured that the culprits were facing interrogation and would soon be charged to the Court.
