TIB Bauchi Emergency Statement
Take-It-Back Movement (Bauchi Chapter)
Condemns the Killing of Two Minors by No Beli Hunters in Toro LGA
The Bauchi State Chapter of the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement is shocked and deeply saddened by the killing of two minors, Sulaiman Yahaya (15 years) and Usman Adamu (14 years), in Rimin Zayam, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Reports indicate that the children were initially taken into custody by the No Beli Hunters Security Outfit after being found in possession of livestock suspected to have been stolen from a nearby village.
They were later handed over to the Police Area Command, Toro.
Tragically, the children were subsequently killed while under the control of the security outfit.
TIB further notes with grave concern that sworn accounts before the authorities indicate that the minors were initially held in police custody, denied bail, and subsequently handed over by officers of the Nigeria Police Force to members of the No Beli Hunters, an unofficial vigilante group with no lawful authority.
The reported involvement of senior officers in authorizing or confirming this handover raises serious questions of complicity, unlawful delegation of punishment, and gross abuse of power.
TIB notes with grave concern that this matter has already been formally brought to the attention of the following authorities and institutions:
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Senate Committee on Human Rights
Nigeria Police Force, Zone 12, Bauchi
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Secretariat
His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State
His Royal Highness, the Emir of Bauchi
Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command
Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Bauchi State Command
Office of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters
National Chairman, Fulani Association (Miyetti Allah)
State Chairman, Fulani Association of Nigeria, Bauchi State
Despite this level of institutional attention, the deaths of these minors point to a serious failure of duty by both state security agencies and recognized local vigilante outfits to protect children and uphold the rule of law.
TIB notes that this incident occurred in February 2025 and has remained unresolved for nearly one year, despite repeated petitions, sworn statements, and formal notifications to relevant authorities.
The prolonged delay in investigation and accountability has compounded the pain of the families, undermined public confidence in the justice system, and raises serious concerns about institutional negligence, indifference, or deliberate obstruction of justice.
TIB therefore calls for the following urgent actions:
Immediate arrest and prosecution of all No Beli Hunters operatives involved in the killings.
Immediate suspension and disarmament of the No Beli Hunters in Toro Local Government Area pending the conclusion of investigations.
A full and independent investigation into the role of police officers and other security personnel who failed in their duty to safeguard the children.
A public and transparent autopsy and full disclosure of investigative findings.
Concrete measures to prevent future occurrences, including strict regulation, oversight, and accountability of local vigilante groups operating within Bauchi State.
TIB further notes that despite a formal complaint lodged with Police Zone 12, Bauchi, on 14th April 2025, and a subsequent directive by the Assistant Inspector General of Police for the transfer of the case to the Bauchi State Police Command for proper investigation, the matter appears to have been abandoned.
The families of the victims report repeated visits to Bauchi metropolis at great personal cost without any concrete outcome, while conflicting accounts persist regarding the fate of the children.
As of date, accountability for their deaths remains unresolved, raising grave concerns of negligence, obstruction of justice, or possible cover-up.
The Take-It-Back Movement, Bauchi State Chapter, stands firmly with the families of the deceased and will continue to closely monitor this case until justice is served.
We urge all responsible authorities to act swiftly, transparently, and decisively in the interest of justice and public confidence.
Issued by:
Take-It-Back Movement (TIB)
Bauchi State Chapter
Signed:
Nazif Bashi
Coordinator, TIB Bauchi State
11th February 2026
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