Decomposing Body of Kidnapped 4-Year-Old Boy Found in Bauchi Hills
The decomposing body of a four-year-old boy, Yunusa Salisu, has been discovered at the Warinje Hills in Bauchi metropolis, after he was reportedly kidnapped from his family home by a family friend. This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
Police Arrest and Suspect Confession
According to the spokesperson for the Police Command in Bauchi State, SP Nafiu Habib, the prime suspect, Rabiu Safiyanu, a 20-year-old friend to the victim’s uncle, has been arrested and has reportedly confessed to the crime. The arrest followed a report made on March 21, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m. by Salisu Yunusa, the victim’s father, who resides in Nasarawa Madina Quarters, Bauchi.
SP Nafiu detailed that the victim went missing on March 18. The father informed the police that the abductor called on March 19 using a private number, demanding a ransom of N500,000. After the father paid N100,000, he did not see the child, leading to heightened concerns and the subsequent police intervention.
Investigation and Recovery of Evidence
Police investigations led to the arrest of Rabiu Safiyanu, who shares the same address and is a friend of the complainant’s younger brother. The suspect confessed to taking the victim, strangling him, dumping the body at Warinje Hills, and demanding further ransom. This confession has provided critical insights into the heinous act.
Meanwhile, Nafiu confirmed that the police had recovered the decomposing body, which showed marks of strangulation, along with a rope suspected to have been used in the act. The Officer in Charge of the Police Clinic certified the victim dead, and the body was photographed before being released to the relatives for burial, as per standard procedures.
Police Response and Community Advisory
The suspect is currently in police custody. CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case, ensuring a timely and discreet investigation followed by prosecution. He further charged residents to always observe people around them and report any suspicious activities to the police, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in preventing such crimes.
This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and public awareness to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in Bauchi and beyond.
