Katsina Community in Mourning as Police Uncover Tragic Killing of Woman and Infant Over Paternity Dispute

Shock, grief, and disbelief have gripped residents of Sheme village in Katsina State following the arrest of a 35-year-old man in connection with the brutal killing of a woman and her 10-month-old baby. The incident, which authorities describe as deeply disturbing, has once again raised urgent concerns about unresolved domestic disputes, violence against women, and the safety of vulnerable children in rural communities.

According to the Katsina State Police Command, the suspect, identified as Shabi Rabi’u, was arrested after weeks of investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the victims. What initially appeared to be a missing persons case soon unfolded into a grim discovery that left both security operatives and local residents horrified.

A Quiet Village Shattered by Violence

Sheme village, located in Faskari Local Government Area, is typically known for its quiet rural lifestyle, where neighbours know one another and families depend heavily on communal trust. For many residents, the events surrounding the woman and her infant’s disappearance came as a shock, as there had been no immediate signs that such a violent crime could occur within their community.

Villagers reportedly began to raise alarm when the woman and her baby were not seen for several days. Relatives and neighbours initially believed they might have travelled or temporarily relocated. However, as days turned into weeks without any contact, concern grew, prompting a report to local authorities.

Police Investigation and Arrest

In a statement issued by the Katsina State Police Command, the spokesperson, Abubakar Aliyu, confirmed that law enforcement officers launched a detailed investigation into the disappearance. Through intelligence gathering, questioning of witnesses, and tracking of movements linked to the victims, police attention soon focused on Shabi Rabi’u.

Following his arrest, investigators conducted a series of interrogations, during which the suspect reportedly made confessions that revealed the tragic circumstances behind the deaths. According to police accounts, the incident stemmed from a long-standing disagreement over the paternity of the baby, a dispute that allegedly escalated beyond verbal confrontation.

How the Tragedy Allegedly Unfolded

Preliminary findings by the police suggest that the suspect did not act alone. Authorities revealed that Rabi’u allegedly collaborated with an accomplice who is currently at large. The two men are said to have devised a plan to lure the woman and her infant to a secluded bush area on the outskirts of Sheme village.

Investigators believe the victims were taken to the remote location under false pretences, unaware of the danger awaiting them. In what police described as a cold and calculated act, the woman and her baby were allegedly killed. To conceal the crime, the bodies were reportedly set ablaze and later dumped into a nearby well in an attempt to destroy evidence and prevent identification.

The remains were eventually recovered by law enforcement officers following information obtained during the investigation. The recovery process was described as emotionally difficult for both officers and family members, given the condition in which the bodies were found.

A Crime Rooted in Unresolved Conflict

Police authorities noted that the incident highlights how unresolved personal conflicts, particularly those involving family and relationships, can spiral into extreme violence when left unchecked. The paternity dispute at the centre of the case was reportedly ongoing, with tensions escalating over time.

Experts have long warned that disputes involving child custody or paternity can become volatile, especially in environments where mediation, counselling, or legal intervention is absent. In many rural communities, such disagreements are often handled privately, sometimes allowing anger and resentment to build without resolution.

Police Condemnation and Assurance of Justice

The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Bello Shehu, strongly condemned the killings, describing them as “inhumane, cruel, and deeply troubling.” He assured the public that the command is committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

According to the commissioner, no effort will be spared in tracking down the fleeing accomplice and bringing all those involved to face the full weight of the law. He emphasised that crimes involving women and children would continue to receive priority attention from the police.

Call for Public Cooperation

As part of ongoing efforts to conclude the investigation, the Katsina State Police Command has appealed to members of the public for assistance. Residents with credible information that could help locate the accomplice have been urged to come forward.

Police officials stressed that information can be shared confidentially and that cooperation from the public remains a crucial element in tackling violent crimes, especially in cases where suspects attempt to evade arrest by fleeing to neighbouring communities or states.

Community Reaction and Growing Concerns

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow among residents of Faskari Local Government Area. Community leaders and local groups have expressed concern over the increasing frequency of violent disputes linked to domestic and family issues.

Many residents have called for stronger community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, including mediation by traditional rulers, religious leaders, and social welfare agencies, to prevent disagreements from escalating into tragedy.

Women’s rights advocates have also used the incident to highlight the broader issue of violence against women and children, calling for improved legal protections, awareness campaigns, and access to counselling services, particularly in rural areas.

The Broader Implications

Beyond the immediate tragedy, the case underscores the urgent need for public education on peaceful dispute resolution and the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands. It also highlights gaps in social support systems that could otherwise help families manage conflicts before they turn deadly.

Security experts note that crimes driven by personal grievances are often preventable if early warning signs are recognised and addressed. These signs may include repeated arguments, threats, or reports of intimidation, all of which require timely intervention by

community leaders or authorities.

Moving Forward

As investigations continue and legal proceedings are expected to follow, the focus remains on delivering justice for the victims and preventing similar incidents in the future. The Katsina State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and maintaining law and order across the state.

For the residents of Sheme village, the pain of this tragedy will linger, serving as a sombre reminder of the consequences of unresolved conflict and unchecked violence. Community members hope that lessons drawn from this case will inspire stronger unity, dialogue, and compassion, especially when disputes involve innocent lives.