Abuja, NIGIERIA — A 16-year-old boy simply identified as Abubakar was buried alive by his two older brothers following a disagreement over a missing phone in Kaduna State.
The two brothers, aged 22 and 18, were arrested by police after a good Samaritan stumbled upon Abubakar, with only his head visible, protruding from a hole on an abandoned property.
According to eyewitnesses, the disagreement over the missing phone had initially erupted in Abuja, where the brothers worked. In a twisted act of vengeance, they trailed Abubakar back to Zaria, where they subjected him to torture by burying him alive.
While recounting the horror of the torture, Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Rabi Salisu said, “I’ve never seen someone buried alive apart from in films. This young boy, Abubakar, was buried by his own brothers over a missing phone. They dug a hole, tied his hands behind his back, sealed his mouth, and buried him, leaving only his head exposed, covered with rags, in an abandoned property near a farm.”
Meanwhile, the situation took a turn for the better when a good Samaritan, passing by the area, heard Abubakar coughing and immediately raised the alarm.
Other nearby farmers quickly responded, rescuing the boy. The video of the rescue, which went viral on social media, has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for justice.
Also, the police have confirmed the arrest of the two brothers, who have since confessed to the crime.
According to the spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Mansir Hassan, the suspects are in custody and will face charges soon.
In response to the unfortunate incident, the Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development issued a statement, condemning the act in the strongest terms.
The Ministry has assured the public that justice will be served and that the rights and welfare of all citizens, particularly children, will be vigorously protected.
The statement, attributed to Commissioner Hajiya Rabi Salisu, further noted that the Ministry’s Social Officer in charge of Zaria has visited the community to assess the situation and offer necessary support to the victim and his family.
The Ministry also emphasized its commitment to closely monitoring the case as it progresses through the legal system.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring that justice is served swiftly and fairly.
The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to upholding these principles, promising that such acts of violence will not go unpunished. Further updates on the case are expected as the investigation continues.
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