SECURITY GUARD ARRESTED OVER DEATH OF MISSING 11-YEAR-OLD

A 26-year-old security guard has been arrested in connection with the death of an 11-year-old girl whose body was found inside a well at a church in Suleja, Niger State.

The Niger State Police Command said the girl, Christabel Albert, was reported missing on September 20 after leaving home the previous day to attend a relative’s birthday celebration.

The police said a pastor at the Apostolic Church in Suleja later reported finding a body inside a well on the church premises. The body was subsequently identified as that of the missing girl.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Godwin Dauda, a security guard attached to the church, who had reportedly fled the area. He was arrested on September 23 in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory.

The police said preliminary investigations linked the suspect to the girl’s death and that he made statements during interrogation. The command said the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further investigation and prosecution.

The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The case has also drawn attention to the need for stronger protection of children and prompt investigation of reports involving missing minors.