Katsina man kills woman, child over paternity dispute

A 35-year-old man, Shabi Rabi’u, has been arrested by the Katsina State Police Command for his alleged involvement in the murder of a woman and her 10-month-old baby in Sheme village, Faskari Local Government Area of the state, over a paternity dispute.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday from a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Aliyu, that the suspect, upon his arrest, confessed that he and the victim had been involved in a dispute stemming from the paternity of the child.

Aliyu noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, alongside a co-conspirator, lured the victims to a bush, killed them and burnt their bodies.

Aliyu said, “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the offence and further mentioned having conspired with a friend, now at large, to lure the victims to the outskirts of Sheme village, where they were killed. The bodies were burnt and thrown into a nearby well.

“Investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in a paternity dispute with the victim, which escalated into the brutal murder. They allegedly conspired to eliminate the victim and her child.”

He noted that the bodies of the deceased have been recovered while the police have commenced the process of arresting the fleeing accomplice.

The PPRO also appealed for information that could aid the arrest of the fleeing suspect.

“The bodies of the victims have been recovered, and the suspect is in custody. Efforts are being made to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspect.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, Bello Shehu, condemned the act, describing it as ‘barbaric and inhumane’. He assured the public that the command will ensure justice is served, as no stone will be left unturned during the investigation.

“The Command appeals to the public for information that may aid the investigation and lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspect. Information given will be treated confidentially,” he concluded.