Six-Year-Old Dies After Drinking Beverage From Stepmother

A six-year-old boy, Mubarak Ibrahim, has died after allegedly drinking a beverage given to him by his 23-year-old stepmother in Kwaimawa village, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Mubarak reportedly began vomiting uncontrollably shortly after taking the drink on October 16, 2026, triggering a desperate effort by his family to save his life.

He was initially rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Kwaimawa before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gombe, where doctors battled to save him for eight days.

However, the young boy died on October 24, leaving his family and community mourning his death.

The Bauchi State Police Command disclosed the incident on Monday, announcing the arrest of the boy’s stepmother, identified as Fatima Ibrahim, in connection with the suspected culpable homicide.

According to the police, detectives began investigating the case after receiving a report from the village head of Kwaimawa.

The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue.

In a separate incident, another child, five-year-old Habiba Abubakar, was found dead in a water pit in Zaila village, Ganjuwa Local Government Area, after she was reported missing.

Habiba, who was staying with her aunt in the village, was reported missing by her grandfather on October 23.

After an overnight search by residents, her body was discovered in a small water pit behind the village at about 7am on October 24.

Police said they arrested a 19-year-old suspect, identified as Sadiku Musa, in connection with the girl’s death.

The two cases have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the deaths as heartbreaking and inhuman, promising that the command would pursue justice for the two children.

“These are innocent souls. Children who looked up to adults for protection. We will ensure that justice speaks for Habiba and Mubarak,” the commissioner was quoted as saying.

He also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to pay closer attention to children’s safety and report suspicious activities to the police.