10-year-old boy, Abubakar Lawal, has died in Karaku community, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State after a fight with other children while returning from grazing sheep.
The incident happened on 11 August at about 5:30 pm when Abubakar and nine-year-old Hassan Adamu Umar were on their way home along a bush path. They were allegedly blocked by four other minors identified as Musa Aliyu, 10; Umaru Abdullahi, 6; Maryam Abdullahi, 10; and Fulaira Jika, 4. During the confrontation, Musa Aliyu allegedly struck both Abubakar and Hassan with a stick, leaving them with severe injuries.
They were rushed to the General Hospital, Kagara, where Abubakar was confirmed dead. Hassan was admitted and is responding to treatment.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Command, Wasiu Abiodun, described the case as suspected culpable homicide.
He said: “On August 12, 2025, at about 7.30 am, a report was received that, on August 11, 2025, at about 5.30 pm, two children named Abubakar Lawal, 10 years, and Hassan Adamu, 9 years, were returning home from animal grazing along Karaku forest. The report further indicated that some minors who are Musa Aliyu, 10 years, Umaru Abdullahi, 6 years, Maryam Abdullahi, 10 years, and Fulaira Jika, 4yrs blocked and engaged Hassan and Abubakar in a fight.”
He explained that the altercation led to severe injuries to both boys. A In the course of the fight, Musa Aliyu allegedly hit Hassan and Abubakar with a stick. The two victims sustained serious injuries, and they were rushed to General Hospital in Kagara for medical attention. Unfortunately, Abubakar was later confirmed dead, while Hassan is still receiving treatment.”
Abiodun added that the minors involved had been brought to the police station by their parents for questioning.
“Further investigation is in progress, and the juvenile offenders are under questioning with the presence of their parents, who brought them to the Police station today, 14th August 2025. The unfortunate incident will soon be transferred to SCID Minna for further action.
“The body of the deceased has been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for autopsy, while police investigations continue.”