The serene village of Sade in Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State, was shattered by the chilling news of a six-year-old boy’s kidnapping and subsequent murder. The victim, Shuaibu Safiyanu, vanished on March 20, 2025, prompting his distraught father, Safiyanu Abdullahi, to report the incident to the village head, Musa Isah. The family’s nightmare deepened when they received a ransom demand of N3,000,000 from an anonymous caller. After intense negotiations, the kidnappers reduced their demand to N200,000. This desperate plea for their son’s safe return marked the beginning of a frantic investigation that would ultimately unravel a tragic tale of greed and violence.
The Bauchi State Police Command swiftly responded to the family’s plight, launching a comprehensive investigation. Detectives from the Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters followed a crucial lead to a nearby Point of Sale (POS) location. This breakthrough would prove pivotal in identifying the individuals behind the heinous crime. On March 21, 2025, at approximately 10:00 am, police officers apprehended 23-year-old Rabi’u Muhammadu from Leka village. He was found in possession of the phone number and bank account details used to demand the ransom. This crucial piece of evidence linked him directly to the unfolding tragedy.
Under interrogation, Rabi’u Muhammadu revealed the alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping: 35-year-old Samson Ozoichikel, a resident of Sade village. This revelation pointed to a disturbing betrayal within the community. Furthermore, Muhammadu implicated two additional accomplices: 25-year-old Muhammad Sani, alias “Jingi,” and 30-year-old Musa Usman, alias “Kala,” both from Leka village. With all four suspects in custody, the police began to piece together the horrifying events that led to young Shuaibu’s demise.
Tragically, amidst the ongoing investigation, the worst fears of the community were realized. On the morning of March 21, 2025, around 8:30 am, Shuaibu Safiyanu’s lifeless body was discovered in a nearby bush. The young boy had been bound with a rope around his neck, a grim testament to the cruelty of his captors. His remains were transported to the General Hospital, where a medical doctor officially confirmed his death. The body was subsequently released to the grieving family for burial according to Islamic rites. The discovery of Shuaibu’s body cast a pall over the entire community, turning the search for justice into a quest for solace and closure.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, deeply moved by the tragedy, reassured the community of the Command’s unwavering commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice. He emphasized that the investigation remained active and would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more thorough and comprehensive examination. This move signaled the seriousness with which the authorities were treating the case, ensuring that no stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of truth and accountability.
The tragic incident served as a somber reminder of the vulnerability of children and the importance of community vigilance. The Bauchi State Police Command urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, emphasizing the crucial role of community cooperation in preventing such tragedies. The case of Shuaibu Safiyanu stands as a stark example of the devastating consequences of greed and violence, underscoring the need for collective efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
