The Bauchi State Police Command has urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children, particularly girls, following the alleged sexual assault of three minors in separate incidents across the state.
The command disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday that the victims were aged nine, 10 and 11, adding that three suspects had been arrested and were in police custody for investigation.
The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, said the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the incidents as deeply disturbing and condemned the alleged acts.
“The Commissioner of Police condemns these acts in the strongest terms, describing them as inhumane, barbaric and an assault on our shared humanity.
“He assures the victims and their families that the command will pursue diligent investigation and prosecution to ensure justice is not only done but also seen to be done,” the statement read.
Aliyu urged parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant, monitor their children and report suspicious activities or suspected abuse to the police.
“He further appeals to parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant, to closely monitor their children and wards, and to promptly report any suspicious behaviour or abuse to the nearest police station.
“The protection of our children is a collective responsibility,” the statement added.
Giving details of the incidents, the command said the first case was reported on Monday at the Tilden Fulani Division in Toro Local Government Area by a woman who alleged that her 11-year-old daughter had been lured into a narrow passage by a 47-year-old man, Auwal Ibrahim, of Unguwar Sarkin Hausawa, with N500 before he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
The police said the girl was immediately taken to the General Hospital, Toro, for medical attention.
The suspect reportedly denied the allegation, while detectives visited the scene and continued investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In the second case, the police said a distressed mother from Gwallameji, Bauchi, reported at the E-Division on Tuesday that her nine-year-old daughter had allegedly been repeatedly lured into the room of a 35-year-old man, Sabitu Muhammed, who allegedly sexually assaulted her on several occasions.
The command said the suspect had been arrested, while the victim was taken to the Police Clinic in Bauchi for medical examination and support. The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
In the third incident, a 40-year-old woman from Wuntin Dada reported at the B-Division, GRA Bauchi, on Tuesday that her 10-year-old daughter had allegedly been sexually assaulted by a 22-year-old neighbour, Anas Adam.
According to the police, the girl had been sent to buy sugar that evening when the suspect allegedly intercepted her on her way home and took her to his house, where the assault reportedly occurred.
Detectives visited the scene, and the child was taken to the police clinic for medical examination, while the suspect was arrested, the statement said.
The command reiterated its call for collective vigilance in protecting children, adding that the suspects would face the full weight of the law if found guilty.