6-year-old defiled, killed and dumped in Kaduna mosque

Oladipupo Mojeed Leading Stories 01/07/2020

The number of reported rape cases and child abuse has been on the rise since the beginning of the lockdown. The situation has taken a terrible twist as victims are being killed in the aftermath of their horrendous ordeal.

As of June 15, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded 717 rape cases in the first five months of this year. Kaduna State alone accounts for 485 of the number.

The most recent is that of a six-year-old Khadija Ya’u, who was raped, killed and dumped in a mosque in Sabon Layi, Kurmin Mashi, Kaduna, on Monday, June 29.

Speaking with Daily Trust, the victim’s mother said that her instinct told her 30 minutes into the search for her missing daughter, that she was dead.

Mosque where Khadija’s corpse was dumped. Photo: Daily Trust

The corpse of the 6-year-old was found in a mosque about 20 meters from her home almost three hours after she went missing on Friday.

Khadija is the last of four children of Malam Abdullahi Ya’u and Fatima Mohammed.

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Some local women – involved in the funeral preparation in accordance with Islamic rites – contacted the office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Aisha Dikko.

Khadija’s father was subsequently persuaded to release his daughter’s corpse, and a post mortem examination was conducted at Barau Dikko hospital.

This incident occurred despite the Child Welfare and Protection Law which was passed in Kaduna State in April 2018. The law allows for the stiffest penalty for anyone found to have abused a child.

Possible chain of events

According to the residents of Sabon Layi in Kurmin Mashi; it is suspected that Khadija was assaulted and killed at a different location.

Khadija’s body was later dumped at the mosque through the back door by a tiny alley.

Described as a bright pupil, Khadija often tops her nursery class at LEA Primary School in Kurmin Mashi, Kaduna State.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer – ASP Mohammed Jalige – said an investigation into the matter has been launched.

Mallam Umaru Muri – the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police issued a directive to police officers on Monday to ensure that the culprits are arrested and face justice.