A mentally ill man, identified as 30-year-old Basiru Umaru of Mariga town in Niger State, has been arrested for allegedly killing a six-year-old boy, Aliyu Muhammed, by drowning him in a river.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Community sources said the suspect lured the child to the Mariga riverbank, tied his hands and legs, and threw him into the water.
When Aliyu failed to return home, his parents raised an alarm. Umaru later led them to the riverbank, where the boy’s lifeless body was found. The corpse was taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Niger State Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident, saying: “On 29th June, 2025 at about 12:30 p.m. a report was received… that on 28th June… one Basiru Umar… took one Aliyu Muhammad… tied the boy’s hand and leg and threw him into the river.”
The suspect has been taken into custody and remains under investigation.