The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old woman, Maryam Atiku, for attempting to take the life of her newborn baby girl.

Maryam, who hails from Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area, allegedly buried the infant in a shallow grave at Malam Yaro bush on June 25, 2025.

According to police spokesperson CSP Nafiu Abubakar, Maryam tied the baby’s neck with wrappers, covered her mouth, and buried her.

 However, fate intervened the next day when a farmer, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad, noticed fresh soil resembling a grave on his farmland.

He raised an alarm, and with the help of residents, dug up the spot — only to discover the baby alive. The infant was rushed to General Hospital, Kamba, where doctors confirmed her condition as stable after medical care.

Police detectives quickly arrested Maryam, who confessed to the crime during interrogation.

Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, condemned the act, calling it “inhuman and unacceptable.” He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for child abuse and gender-based violence, urging parents and community leaders to protect children regardless of economic pressures.

He also praised the farmer for his life-saving intervention and commended the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris, for stepping in to support the welfare of the rescued baby.

Maryam will be charged in court, with police vowing that justice will serve as a deterrent to others.