Theo Lalong, KADUNA -Two brothers in Zaria, Kaduna State, have been arrested after allegedly burying their 16-year-old cousin, Abubakar Aliyu, alive following a heated argument over a missing phone.
The shocking incident, which went viral on social media, has drawn widespread condemnation and prompted swift action from local authorities.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, expressed her disbelief and horror at the crime. “I’ve never seen someone buried alive apart from in films,” she said. “This boy, Abubakar, was buried by his brothers because of a missing phone.”
Detailing the crime, she explained, “They dug a hole, tied his hands behind his back, and sealed his mouth. They buried him, leaving only his head exposed, which they covered with rags in an abandoned property near a farm. A good samaritan who heard the boy coughing raised the alarm, leading to his rescue by nearby farmers, as seen in the video that went viral.”
The accused, identified as Yahaya Abdulkadir, 20, and his younger brother, Abdul Abdulkadir, 17, were apprehended by police.
ASP Mansir Hassan, the Spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, confirmed their arrest and stated, “The culprits have admitted to the crime and are currently in custody. An investigation is ongoing, and they will be taken to court once it is complete.”
The Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development has vowed to pursue justice vigorously. In a statement, Hajiya Rabi emphasized, “The government will not take this lightly. We are committed to protecting the rights of children and others whose rights are violated in Kaduna State.”
