The Federal Polytechnic Bauchi has been plunged into grief and confusion following the tragic discovery of the decomposing body of 24-year-old Fatima Salihu Mohammed, a fresh HND graduate of the institution.
Fatima, the daughter of Salihu Mohammed Chimo, a senior management staff member and former Director of Academic Planning at the Polytechnic, was found dead on a maize farm within the institution’s staff quarters, where her family resides.
Earlier reports had suggested that her remains were discovered in Birshin Fulani, a neighbouring community.
However, the Bauchi State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, clarified in a statement that her body was recovered within the Polytechnic staff quarters.
According to the police, Fatima was sent to buy groceries at Birshin Fulani on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, but never returned. Her father, aged 62, reported her missing the following day after all efforts to trace her failed, and her mobile phone line became unreachable.
Detectives were immediately deployed with surveillance and technical tools to trace her whereabouts.
But on Monday, 29 September, a distress call was received from the village head of Birshin Fulani after a resident, Bashar Adamu, working on his father’s maize farm inside the staff quarters, discovered a foul odour that led to the decomposing body.
A police team led by CSPYahaya Yunusa, DPO of “E” Division, secured the scene and identified the remains as Fatima’s. Her bag and groceries were found beside her.
Her body was conveyed to the Federal Polytechnic Clinic, where medical personnel confirmed her death before releasing it to her grieving family.
Her Janaza (funeral prayer) was held the same day at 4:10 pm at the Federal Polytechnic Central Mosque, Bauchi, in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a discreet homicide investigation to unravel the circumstances of her death and ensure justice.
The polytechnic’s management, staff, and students, alongside the Bauchi community, have expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
A condolence message shared on the institution’s Facebook group described Fatima as “an innocent soul, a promising young graduate who had already begun her Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) studies”
“This sad incident is a reminder for us all, as students and staff, to remain vigilant and cautious within and outside the campus,” the post read.
Sympathisers have continued to offer prayers for her eternal rest: “May Alah forgive her shortcomings,
grant her Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort her family.”