Zaria Horror: Siblings Accused of Burying 16-Year-Old Alive Over Missing Phone

In a shocking incident in Zaria, Kaduna State, two brothers buried 16-year-old Abubakar alive following a heated dispute over a missing phone. The crime, which went viral on social media and drew widespread condemnation, prompted swift action from state authorities, resulting in the arrest of the brothers.

Hajiya Rabi Salisu, the Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development in Kaduna State, expressed her distress over the incident. “I’ve never seen someone buried alive apart from in films. This boy, Abubakar, a 16-year-old, was buried by his brothers because of a missing phone,” she said.

She detailed the horrifying event: “They dug a hole, tied his hands behind his back, and sealed his mouth. They buried him, leaving only his head exposed, covered with rags inside an abandoned property near a farm. It was a good Samaritan who heard the boy coughing and raised the alarm, attracting other farmers who then rescued the boy. This was all captured in the viral video on social media.”

The suspects, aged 22 and 18, were apprehended by the police and are currently under investigation. Salisu emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice. “We will not take it lightly. The protection of children’s rights and others whose rights are violated in Kaduna State is paramount,” she told the BBC Hausa Service.

ASP Mansir Hassan, the spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, confirmed the incident and stated that the suspects were in custody. He explained that the crime stemmed from a misunderstanding over a missing phone in Abuja, where the brothers worked. They trailed Abubakar back to Zaria, burying him alive as a form of torture to obscure the issue of the missing phone. Hassan added that the suspects have admitted to the crime.

The Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development released a statement condemning the act and providing updates on the case. Hajiya Rabi S. Ibrahim, the Hon. Commissioner, explained: “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 Ministry’s Social Officer in charge of Zaria has visited the community to assess the situation and offer necessary support. The Ministry assured the public that justice will be served and that they will continue to monitor the case closely. The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of all citizens, especially children, and will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.