The Kogi State Police Command took a significant step in addressing a disturbing incident that occurred in the state. This incident involved the stepmother of an 11-year-old boy who was buried alive by her 17-year-old son. According to SP Williams Ovye-Aya, the police command’s spokesperson in Lokoja, this harrowing incident unfolded in the Silo community, situated in the Zango Daji area of Adavi Local Government Area in Kogi.
The shocking event took place on a Wednesday when the 11-year-old boy was buried alive by his stepbrother as a form of punishment. The reason behind this cruel act was an alleged theft of N10,000 belonging to the stepmother. This prompted her to instruct her son to carry out the punishment before she left for church.
Fortunately, passers-by came to the rescue of the young victim, unearthing him from the makeshift grave. The traumatic incident sent shockwaves throughout the community and beyond. Following this horrific discovery, the Kogi State Police Command promptly launched an investigation into the matter.
On the following Thursday, law enforcement authorities arrested the stepmother upon her return from church. The arrest of the woman marks a crucial development in this case, as it raises questions about the responsibility and culpability of the adult figures involved in this tragic event.
In meting punishment to the 11-year-old, the 17-year-old took his stepbrother into the bush, where he buried him alive, throwing the entire Kogi into bewilderment.
Police immediately arrested the 17-year-old,
“Our officers and men were able to arrest the stepmother on Thursday after a tip-off. She is now in our custody.
“She has made a statement to the police on the sad incident.
“We shall transfer the mother and son to the Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation of reasons behind such cruelty among family members.
“It is unfortunate that the father or breadwinner of the family was said to have traveled. We are waiting for him to return to give us his statement
“Once the investigation is concluded, we shall arraign mother and son,’’ Ovye-Aya said.
Meanwhile, the Kogi government has vowed to prosecute the 17-year-old boy and the mother.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Buba, made the vow on Thursday in Lokoja when she spoke with newsmen over the incident.
Buba described the incident as “very wicked’’ and “saddening’’ and assured that the ministry was in constant liaison with the police for the immediate prosecution of the mother and son.
“While the ministry is liaising with the police for their prosecution, necessary arrangements had been made to put the 11-year-old boy in an orphanage home.
“Our findings indicate that the boy is regularly maltreated by his stepmother and stepbrother.
“As a government, we will ensure that justice is served on all the perpetrators of evil acts in Kogi,’’ she said.
Buba warned guardians fond of inhuman treatment of their wards to desist or face the full wrath of the law.