The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 29-year-old man, Isiaka Hassan, for allegedly killing a 5-year-old boy in Lamurde Local Government Area of the state.
The sad incident occurred in Tingno community, where the young boy, identified as Abba Bashiru, was reported missing by his mother, Hadiza Bashiru, on August 30, 2025.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, the child’s disappearance was reported to the police shortly after he was last seen in the company of the suspect.
“On the strength of that, the command’s operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer in Tingno, quickly launched an operation and arrested the said Isiaka Hassan,” the police spokesperson said.
During interrogation, Hassan allegedly confessed to the crime. He told investigators that he had conspired with another person, who is still at large, to kill the child and bury him in a shallow grave.
Following the confession, police officers went to the scene, exhumed the boy’s remains, and took the body to a hospital for an autopsy.
The motive behind the killing has not yet been confirmed, but investigations are ongoing.
In response to the incident, the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take over the case.
He also ordered the immediate arrest of the second suspect, who is still on the run.
“The Command reassures members of the public of its commitment to ensure justice is served and calls for continued cooperation in the fight against violent crime across the State,” the statement read.
The police have promised that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring all those responsible for the heinous act are brought to justice.
The murder of young Abba Bashiru has shocked residents of Tingno and neighbouring communities. Locals described the boy as cheerful and well-liked in the neighbourhood.
“This is heartbreaking. We never imagined something like this would happen here,” said a community elder who spoke under anonymity.
Lamurde Local Government Area, located in southern Adamawa, is generally peaceful but has occasionally recorded cases of violent crime, including child abduction and assault.
The latest incident has renewed calls from community leaders and civil society groups for better protection of children and stricter punishment for those found guilty of crimes against minors.
As of the time of filing this report, police said the search for the second suspect is ongoing, and they are urging anyone with useful information to come forward.
“We call on the public to assist the police with any information that can help locate the fleeing suspect. Together, we can make our communities safer,” SP Nguroje said.
