In a deeply disturbing turn of events, police in Bauchi State have arrested a 19-year-old woman, Esther Gambo, for the alleged kidnapping and brutal murder of two seven-year-old girls in Toro Local Government Area. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, igniting violent protests and widespread unrest.

According to CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, the girls—identified as Khadija Sama’ila and A’isha Dahiru—were lured away under false pretenses by the suspect. What began as a supposed act of kindness took a horrifying turn when their bodies were later discovered in a maize field.

Initial investigations suggest Gambo’s motive was to gain access to a newborn baby belonging to one Nafisa Dahiru. Authorities believe the accused used the girls as bait to reach the infant and, after abducting the child, fatally attacked the girls with a machete before fleeing.

The crime, which took place on Monday, July 22, sparked outrage among residents—particularly in the Muslim community—leading to a violent backlash. Several churches were set ablaze, and an attempt was made to torch the Tulu Divisional Police Headquarters. Fortunately, quick intervention by police reinforcements and local vigilante groups prevented further destruction.

In the aftermath, officers recovered the lifeless bodies of the young girls and rescued the kidnapped newborn. Esther Gambo was arrested and taken into custody.

Sixteen individuals have also been apprehended in connection with the violent protests that followed. Those arrested include both teenagers and adults, with suspects ranging in age from 17 to 50 years. Among them are Abbas Abdullahi (20), Mubarak Auwal (19), Abdullahi Muhammad aka "P.A" (19), and Idi Bitrus (50), among others.

Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has strongly condemned the criminal act and the retaliatory violence it triggered. He urged residents to channel their grief and anger through lawful means, reminding the public that justice must be served through legal and professional channels.

“We understand the pain and outrage,” the CP said, “but taking the law into your own hands only worsens the situation and distracts from the real pursuit of justice. Our officers are diligently working to get to the bottom of this.”

Authorities are continuing their investigation, and the police have called on citizens to remain calm and allow due process to take its course