A 40-year-old tea vendor, Abdulrashibu Ya’u, is in police custody after allegedly beating a 20-year-old boy to death in Sararai village, Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, over accusations of stealing bread, milk, noodles, and petrol. The tragic incident occurred on Monday, August 26, 2024, around 5:00 p.m., when the vendor locked the boy inside his home and relentlessly beat him with a stick.
According to eyewitnesses, neighbors heard the boy, identified as Hassan Garba, crying out for help, but they were unable to intervene as the suspect had securely locked the door. The situation escalated, leading to the victim’s death.
DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer in Jigawa, confirmed the arrest of Ya’u, adding that the patrol team rushed to the scene and took the victim to Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The police have since launched an investigation, with the suspect admitting during questioning that he attacked the boy in frustration after repeatedly catching him stealing his goods and receiving no response from the boy’s parents.
The victim’s body has been released to his family for burial according to Islamic rites, while the police have assured that Ya’u will face justice in court for his actions.
The community remains in shock over the brutal incident, with calls for swift legal action to serve as a deterrent against such acts of violence.