A 19-year-old woman, Esther Gambo, has been arrested in Bauchi State for allegedly killing two young girls and kidnapping a newborn baby.
According to the police, Esther, who is from Lemoro Village in Toro Local Government Area, lured two seven-year-old girls, Khadija Sama’ila and A’isha Dahiru, from Unguwan Sarkin Yaki Village.
Police spokesman Ahmed Wakil said in a statement on Thursday that the suspect tricked the girls so she could steal a newborn baby belonging to Nafisa Dahiru.
He said, “Following her acquisition of the baby, Esther allegedly led the two girls to a nearby maize farm, where she unlawfully ended their lives with a machete before fleeing the scene.”
Police officers and local vigilantes later found the girls’ bodies, arrested Esther, and rescued the kidnapped baby.
News of the incident sparked outrage, leading to violent protests by angry youths. Some churches were set on fire and there were attempts to burn down the Tulu Divisional Police Headquarters.
Wakil said reinforcements from nearby police divisions were called in to stop the violence. Sixteen people were arrested in connection with the protests. They include youths aged between 17 and 24, and one 50-year-old man.
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, warned residents against taking the law into their own hands. He urged people to let the police handle the case.
He said, “We understand the anger and pain caused by this incident, but we must continue to respect the law and avoid actions that may lead to more harm.”
The Commissioner also promised that the case would be fully investigated and handled properly.
