In a story that has gripped the nation and reminded us of both the depths of human cruelty and the heights of human compassion, a newborn baby girl has been miraculously rescued after being buried alive in a farmland in Kebbi State. The hero of this harrowing tale is Kabiru Kamba, a farmer from Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area, whose sharp eyes and unwavering curiosity led to the discovery and rescue of the infant. This incredible act of humanity unfolded just recently, sending shockwaves of disbelief and gratitude across the community and beyond.
A Farmer’s Instinct, A Life Discovered
The incident came to light when Kabiru Kamba recounted the dramatic events to a visiting team from the state’s Technical Working Group (TWG) on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), led by Hajiya Rafa’atu Hammani, former Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education. The TWG team visited his residence in Kamba town on Monday, June 30, 2025, to commend his heroic actions and gather details of the shocking discovery.
Kamba, with a humble demeanor, narrated how he arrived at his farm on Friday, June 27, and immediately noticed something amiss. Among his regularly tilled ridges, there was an unusual, freshly dug mound. It stood out, peculiar and out of place, stirring a deep sense of unease within him. His farmer’s instinct, honed by years of observing the land, told him this was no ordinary disturbance.
“Out of curiosity, I flagged down some motorcyclists to help dig,” Kamba recounted, his voice still tinged with the gravity of the moment. As they began to excavate the suspicious ridge, their shovels unearthed not soil, but a wrapper buried in the earth. This discovery instantly heightened his suspicion, suggesting something far more sinister than a simple anomaly. Without hesitation, he acted swiftly. “I immediately informed the police at a nearby checkpoint, who came and dug further, only to discover a baby girl, miraculously alive and crying, shrouded in a piece of textile,” he revealed. The image of a newborn, wrapped and buried, yet still clinging to life and crying, is one that will forever be etched in Kamba’s memory and in the collective consciousness of the community. It’s a testament to the fragile yet tenacious nature of life itself.
A Heart Moved by Humanity: Taking Custody
The immediate concern after the rescue was the baby’s welfare. Without a second thought, Kabiru Kamba, driven by an overwhelming sense of compassion and human decency, requested custody of the child. “In such situations, it is only normal to help. I was moved to care for her and requested her custody,” he explained, his words radiating genuine empathy. This spontaneous act of kindness from a man who stumbled upon a horrifying scene speaks volumes about his character.
The Dandi local government council, pending the conclusion of police investigations, indeed handed over custody of the baby to Kabiru Kamba. His commitment to the child was not driven by any expectation of reward. “I didn’t expect anything in return; it’s simply a humanitarian act,” he affirmed. What makes this story even more heartwarming is the timing: “coincidentally, my wife had just given birth; so breastfeeding the baby has not been a challenge.” This serendipitous circumstance provided an immediate and natural source of nourishment and care for the abandoned infant, making the transition into Kamba’s family seamless and truly a blessing.
The family’s embrace of the newborn has been immediate and unconditional. Kamba shared his joyful plans: “In fact, we have planned her naming ceremony for Wednesday, and I have already bought a ram and other essential requisites for the event. By Allah’s will, she will be named then.” This speaks to the depth of their commitment and the full integration of this rescued life into their loving home. His wife, echoing his sentiments, expressed profound joy and willingness to accept the baby. “I felt perfectly fine and happy when my husband told me. I will take care of her just the way I will do to my own,” she promised, sealing the baby’s place within their family with a mother’s unwavering love.
Community Support and Call for Justice
The tragic incident, followed by such a heartwarming rescue, has galvanized the community and authorities alike. Hajiya Rafa’atu Hammani, leading the TWG team, assured Kabiru Kamba that their observations from the visit would be relayed to the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Zainab-Nasare Idris, for further action. This signifies a higher level of official recognition and potential support for the rescuer and the child.
Alhaji Nasiru Idris, the Secretary of the TWG, reiterated the purpose of their visit: to express “heartfelt concern over the tragic incident, offer prayers of gratitude to Almighty Allah for sparing the baby’s life and commend the heroic actions of the rescuer.” He also reaffirmed TWG’s commitment to offering ongoing support to the baby and commended the Nigeria Police for their swift action in “searching and bring the perpetrator to book.” This collective commitment ensures that while the baby is safe, the hunt for those responsible for this horrific act continues, aiming for justice to be served.
The humanitarian response has also been tangible. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the TWG team donated several essential items to the family, including soap, baby clothes, detergents, diapers, a baby bed, powdered milk, and a mosquito net, among others. These practical gifts underscore the community’s collective effort to support Kabiru Kamba and his family in caring for their new, miraculous addition.
A Broader Conversation: Child Abandonment and GBV
While this story is one of incredible heroism and hope, it also tragically highlights the persistent issue of child abandonment and the broader challenges of gender-based violence in society. The reasons why a newborn might be buried alive are complex and often rooted in dire circumstances, including poverty, lack of support systems for young mothers, societal stigma, and, in some cases, severe mental health issues.
This incident should prompt a deeper societal conversation about the support systems available for vulnerable women and girls, particularly those facing unplanned pregnancies or desperate situations. It underscores the critical need for comprehensive social services, including counseling, reproductive health education, and safe spaces for women who feel they have nowhere else to turn. The involvement of the Gender-Based Violence Technical Working Group is a positive sign, indicating a recognition that such acts are extreme forms of violence against the most vulnerable.
Kabiru Kamba’s selfless act is a powerful beacon of humanity in the face of unspeakable cruelty. His story is a testament to the profound impact one individual’s compassion can have, turning a potential tragedy into a miracle. As the baby settles into her new loving home, her survival serves as a potent reminder of life’s preciousness and the enduring power of human kindness. The community, the authorities, and indeed the nation, rally around this child, hoping for a future filled with the love and care she so miraculously found.
