By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
On Sunday, June 29, 2025, a delegation from the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) paid a courtesy visit to the residence of Mallam Kabiru, the courageous man who discovered and rescued a baby girl buried alive on his farmland in Kamba, Kebbi State.
The TWG delegation, led by Hajiya Rafa’atu Hammani, former Permanent Secretary of Kebbi State, was warmly received by Mallam Kabiru and his family after obtaining clearance from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kamba. The team was accompanied by the Director of Social Development and the Councillor of Kamba Ward.
During the visit, Comrade Nasiru Idris, Secretary of TWG, stated that the purpose was to express heartfelt concern over the tragic incident, offer prayers of gratitude to Almighty Allah for sparing the baby’s life, and commend the heroic actions of the rescuer. He also reaffirmed TWG’s commitment to offering support and commended the Nigeria Police for their efforts to bring the perpetrator to book.
Hajiya Rafa’atu Hammani conveyed greetings on behalf of Her Excellency, the First Lady of Kebbi State and Chairperson of the TWG on GBV, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Kauran Gwandu, who was unavoidably absent due to an official assignment. She assured the family that observations from the visit would be relayed to Her Excellency for further action.
The Ward Councillor expressed deep appreciation for the TWG’s visit, describing it as a commendable and compassionate gesture. Mallam Kabiru narrated the incident, saying, "About four days ago, I arrived at one of my farms and noticed an unusual ridge among the regular ones. Out of curiosity, I flagged down some motorcyclists to help dig. They found a wrapper buried in the soil, which raised my suspicion. I immediately informed the police at a nearby checkpoint, who came and dug further—only to discover a baby girl, miraculously alive and crying."
When asked by the TWG PRO why he decided to take custody of the baby, Mallam Kabiru humbly responded, "In such situations, it is only normal to help. I was moved to care for her and requested custody. The baby was handed over to me by the Kamba Local Government pending the conclusion of police investigations. I didn’t expect anything in return. It’s simply a humanitarian act."
Mallam Kabiru’s wife also expressed her willingness and joy in accepting the baby into their home, saying, "I felt perfectly fine and happy when my husband told me. I will take care of her as if she were my own."
In appreciation and support, the TWG team presented several essential items to the family, including soap, baby clothes, detergents, diapers, a baby bed, powdered milk, mosquito net, mattress, and more. The TWG PRO, Abdulmumin Musa Omiya, urged the general public to refrain from spreading misinformation and to seek verified facts from reliable sources to avoid confusion and misguidance.
The delegation concluded the visit with a special prayer led by Bashar Musa before departing.
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