Six Arrested in Gombe over Alleged Abduction of Child for Ritual Purposes
Gombe State, Nigeria — Security operatives have arrested six suspects in connection with the alleged abduction of a six‑year‑old boy in Gombe State, who is suspected to have been kidnapped for ritual purposes, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The victim, identified as Habibu Appolos, was reportedly abducted in August 2025 from Nyuwar Village in the Balanga Local Government Area of the state. For months his whereabouts remained unknown until January 22, 2026, when he was found in the custody of a 14‑year‑old girl, Zubaina Abubakar, originally from Kumuru via Nyuwar, police sources stated.
During interrogation, Zubaina Abubakar allegedly implicated several other individuals believed to be involved in the boy’s abduction. Among those named were 28‑year‑old Oborona Obidah, who was said to have handed the child to Abubakar’s grandparents, and 45‑year‑old Habiba Isa of Lafiya, Lamurde Local Government Area in Adamawa State, who reportedly instructed the teenage girl to transport the child to Gidado Ibrahim, 30, of Sibo Village.
Preliminary investigations by the Gombe State Police Command indicate that the suspects may have acted in conspiracy, allegedly abducting the child for ritual purposes. Among the six people arrested is 45‑year‑old Yunusa Kura, a resident of Kumtur Village, whom police identified as a suspected ritualist in the case.
The police have confirmed that all six suspects are currently being held in custody while investigations continue. Authorities are expected to press charges if sufficient evidence is gathered and public prosecutors have been notified to review the case ahead of further legal proceedings.
Residents of Nyuwar Village and surrounding communities expressed shock over the development, with many urging law enforcement to ensure justice is served. Ritual killings and child abductions for spiritual or malicious purposes have been a source of deep concern for families and security officials nationwide, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and stronger protective measures for children.
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