Sallah Turns Sour: Zaria Mother Beats 11-Year-Old Daughter to Death Over Missing ₦100

 

An 11-year-old girl, Fadila Mustapha, met a tragic end at the hands of her own mother, sparking outrage and deep sorrow in the Zaria community. The young girl, described by neighbors as quiet and hardworking, was allegedly beaten to death by her mother, known simply as Khadija, over a missing ₦100 note given to the family during the recent Sallah celebrations.

Witnesses and local sources recount a heartbreaking and grim sequence of events that unfolded earlier this week. The accused, Khadija, reportedly confronted her daughter after she could not account for the money, which was believed to have been handed over as part of the Sallah festivities. Consumed by fury and suspicion, Khadija allegedly struck her daughter repeatedly with an undisclosed object, causing fatal injuries.

Community members familiar with the family revealed that this was not the first time Khadija had subjected her daughter to such violence. Fadila, who had been hawking goods on the street to support her household, was reportedly a frequent target of her mother’s anger—particularly when daily sales or money matters fell short of expectations. Residents described the mother’s disciplinary methods as excessive and brutal, noting that Fadila’s cries had been heard on more than one occasion.

Fadila’s father, Malam Mustapha Musa, shared his devastation with local reporters. At the time of the incident, he had been away at work, unaware that his daughter's life was about to be cut short. Upon returning home, he was met with the horrific news of her death. Overwhelmed with grief, he arranged for her body to be taken to Kano State, where the family hails from, for burial according to Islamic rites.

Khadija, now in police custody, has admitted to beating her daughter. However, she insists that the death was unintentional. She told authorities that she had been under extreme psychological and emotional pressure, claiming stress and hardship had clouded her judgment at the time. Her explanation has done little to calm the storm of anger and disbelief swelling in Zaria and beyond.

Security sources confirmed that members of the local vigilante group were the first to respond after hearing distressed voices from the residence. The vigilantes intervened and subsequently handed Khadija over to the Nigerian Police Force for further interrogation and possible prosecution.

As the case continues to unfold, the Kaduna State Police Command has stated that a full investigation is underway. Preliminary reports suggest the incident may be classified as a case of homicide, though official charges are pending. A police spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the matter, assuring the public that justice will be pursued in accordance with the law.

The wider community has reacted with shock, with many calling for greater awareness and intervention in cases of child abuse. Child welfare advocates argue that the tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for children, especially those in vulnerable family and economic situations.

Women’s groups and civil society organizations have begun mobilizing support for broader awareness campaigns in Zaria and other parts of Kaduna State. Their aim is to address not only the violence inflicted on children behind closed doors, but also the societal pressures that contribute to such tragic outbursts of aggression.

This heartbreaking incident has become a grim reminder of the dangers lurking within homes where stress, poverty, and unchecked anger are left to fester. As Zaria mourns the loss of young Fadila, calls for justice grow louder—echoing through the narrow alleys and dusty streets where the little girl once hawked goods with hopeful eyes and the simple wish to please her family.

Legal analysts predict that Khadija could face severe consequences under Nigerian law if found guilty. However, the focus of many now lies not just on prosecution, but on prevention—ensuring that no other child suffers a similar fate in silence.

Fadila’s short life ended in violence, but the impact of her death may well be the spark that prompts a deeper conversation about parenting, child labor, mental health, and justice in homes across Nigeria.