Two siblings have allegedly buried their 16-year-old brother, Abubakar Aliyu, alive over over a missing phone, in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The suspects, aged 22 and 18, were apprehended by the police after a local discovered Abubakar’s head jutting out from a hole in an abandoned property.
It’s gathered that the siblings had a heated misunderstanding over a missing phone in Abuja, where they worked.
The duo were said to have trailed Abubakar back to Zaria and buried him alive as a form of torture.
The State commissioner of Human Services and Social Development, Rabi Salisu confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the suspects tied the hand of the victim behind him, dug a makeshift grave and buried him in it with only his head left outside.
“The boy was tied up, and his mouth was sealed. He was buried in a hole, leaving only his head outside. I’ve never seen someone buried alive apart from in film. The boy, Abubakar, a 16 year old was buried by his brothers because of a missing phone.
“They dug a hole, tied his hands backwards and sealed his mouth. They buried him, leaving only his head outside covered with rags inside an abandoned property near a farm. It was a good samaritan who heard the boy coughing that raised alarm which attracted other farmers that rescued the boy, as contained in the video which went viral on social media.
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“The culprits were a 22-year-old and his brother, an 18-year-old who was arrested by the police. We would be going to court after their investigation. The Government would not take it lightly, in the protection of children’s rights and others whose rights are violated in Kaduna State,” Rabi told the BBC Hausa Service.
Also confirming the incident, the spokesman for the state police command, Mansir Hassan, stated that the investigation is ongoing, adding that the suspects are in custody and would be charged in court soon.
Hassan said the culprits have confessed to committing the crime.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the state Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, on Wednesday, stated that it has taken decisive action following the horrific incident.
The statement credited to the commissioner, said, “The victim, Abubakar Aliyu, survived the ordeal and has since been rescued. The suspects, identified as Yahaya Abdulkadir (20) and Abdul Abdulkadir (17), who are cousins of the victim, have been arrested by the police.
“The Social Officer in charge of Zaria visited the community where the incident occurred to assess the situation and provide necessary support. The Ministry has assured the public that justice will be served and that they will continue to monitor the case closely.
“The Kaduna State Government has condemned the act in the strongest terms and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of all citizens, especially children. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
