Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for arresting five suspects in connection with the kidnapping and killing of a one-year-old girl, Sakina Mamuda, in Duhun Bake village, Gwarzo Local Government Area.

The suspects—Zailani Rabiu, Hafizu Yusuf, Abubakar Abdulkareem, Umar Lawan, and Amadu Salisu—are said to be residents of the same community as the victim. They reportedly abducted the child, demanded ransom from her family, and later killed her, dumping her body in an abandoned open well.

A statement released Thursday evening by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, described the suspects as currently under investigation for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and homicide.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Government House in Kano, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, joined by the Commissioner for Information and other senior officials, said the state government remains determined to ensure the case is prosecuted without delay.

Governor Yusuf, through the statement, expressed grief over the killing and praised the DSS and other security agencies for their role in the investigation.

“This senseless tragedy has shaken us to the core,” the Governor said. “I commend the DSS for acting swiftly and decisively. We will continue to prioritise the safety of our people and ensure that those who threaten our peace are brought to justice.”

The governor also restated his administration’s plan to improve security in the state through increased support for intelligence gathering, logistics, and collaboration among agencies.

The killing has provoked public outrage, with calls for justice and stronger protection for children across the state.