The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Esther Gambo, over the alleged abduction and gruesome murder of two seven-year-old girls in Toro Local Government Area of the state.
Spokesperson of the Command, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, who confirmed the incident, said it occurred on July 22, 2025, around 3:00 p.m.
According to him, the suspect, Esther Gambo, from Lemoro Village, lured the two victims—Khadija Sama’ila and A’isha Dahiru—from Unguwan Sarkin Yaki Village under false pretences.
Investigations revealed that the suspect aimed to kidnap a newborn baby belonging to one Nafisa Dahiru. After reportedly abducting the infant, she led the two girls to a nearby maize farm and hacked them to death with a machete before fleeing the scene.
“Following a distress report, a combined team of police officers and local vigilantes swiftly responded, recovered the bodies of the girls, rescued the abducted newborn, and arrested the suspect,” Wakil stated.
The shocking incident sparked outrage and unrest among residents, especially among local Muslim youths, leading to violent protests. Some churches were set ablaze, and there were attempts to attack the Tulu Divisional Police Headquarters.
However, reinforcements from the Toro Area Command and nearby divisions were deployed to restore calm and repel the attack on the police facility.
In the aftermath, 16 suspects were arrested in connection with the violent protests and acts of arson. The suspects include Abbas Abdullahi (20), Mubarak Auwal (19), Abdullahi Muhammad aka P.A (19), Dauda Abdullahi (19), Abubakar Sama’ila (18), Abdulmutallib Ibrahim (18), Yazid Auwal (20), Abdulrahman Ibrahim (17), Abdulwahid Sulaiman (17), and Salihu Shuaibu (20).
Others are Sirajo Halliru (24), Musayib Abdullahi (21), Ibrahim Abubakar (19), Esther Idi (19), Gambo Yakubu (20), and Idi Bitrus (50).
Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, while addressing the press, condemned the murder and the violent aftermath, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.
He stressed the importance of due process and assured the public that justice would be served. “We appeal to all residents to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation, and allow the law to take its course. The police will ensure a thorough investigation,” he said.
The CP also urged religious and community leaders to continue promoting peace and mutual understanding across all divides.
Meanwhile, the rescued infant has been safely reunited with her mother, while the primary suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
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