In a shocking and disturbing incident, a 16-year-old boy, Abubakar, was buried alive by his two siblings over a missing phone, in Zaria, Kaduna
The brothers, aged 22 and 18, were arrested by the police after a good Samaritan discovered Abubakar’s head protruding from a hole in an abandoned property.
According to eyewitnesses, the siblings had a heated disagreement over a missing phone in Abuja, where they worked.
It was gathered that the duo trailed Abubakar back to Zaria and buried him alive as a form of torture.
“The boy was tied up, and his mouth was sealed. He was buried in a hole, leaving only his head outside,” said Hajiya Rabi Salisu, Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development in Kaduna State.
“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 covered with rags inside an abandoned property near a farm.
“It was a good samaritan who heard the boy coughing that raised the alarm which attracted other farmers that rescued the boy, as contained in the video which went viral in social media.
“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,” Rabi told the BBC Hausa Service.
The police have confirmed the incident and are currently investigating, adding that the suspects are in custody and would be charged to court soon.
The spokesman of the state police command, Mansir Hassan, who confirmed the incident, said the culprits have since accepted committing the crime.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, on Wednesday, stated that it has taken decisive action following the horrific incident in the Gauraki community, Kufaina Ward, Zaria Local Government Area, where the teenager was buried alive after being accused of stealing the phone.
The statement credited to the Commissioner, said, “the victim, Abubakar Aliyu, survived the ordeal and has since been rescued. The suspects, identified as 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 has assured the public that justice will be served and that they will 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.”