By Yemi Shola, Bauchi
The Federal Polytechnic Bauchi community has been thrown into a state of confusion and mourning following the discovery of the decomposing body of Fatima, daughter of Salihu Mohammed Chimo, a former Director of Academic Planning of the Institution.
Late Fatima Salihu Mohammed was a 24-year old Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate of the Institution.
While earlier suggested that Fatima’s body was found in Birshin Fulani, the Bauchi State Police Command has now clarified that her remains were discovered on a maize farm within the Federal Polytechnic Staff Quarters where her family reside.
According to the Police, Fatima was sent to buy groceries at Birshin Fulani on September 24, 2025 but never returned home.
Her father, aged 62, lodged a missing person report at the “E” Divisional Police Headquarters on 25th September.
Bauchi State Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said in a statement that “detectives were immediately deployed with surveillance expertise and technological tools to trace her whereabouts.
“Tragically, on 29th September 2025, the Command received a distress call from the village head of Birshin Fulani after a resident, Bashar Adamu, working on his father’s maize farm inside the Polytechnic staff quarters, perceived an odour and discovered a decomposing body.
“A Police team led by CSP Yahaya Yunusa, the DPO of “E” Division, secured the area and identified the remains as that of Fatima while her bag and the groceries she had purchased were found beside her.
“The body was conveyed to the Federal Polytechnic Clinic, where medical practitioners confirmed her death.
“It was subsequently released to her grieving family for burial in line with Islamic rites and her Janaza (funeral prayer) took place the same day at 4:10 pm at the Federal Polytechnic Central Mosque, Bauchi.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed a discreet and thorough homicide investigation to determine the exact circumstances of her death, gather credible evidence, and ensure justice.”
The management, staff, and students of the Polytechnic, alongside the wider Bauchi community, have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
“May Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest, and admit her into Jannatul Firdaus,” sympathizers prayed.
Meanwhile, a post on the Institution’s Facebook group reads: “With deep shock and sadness, we announce the sudden passing of the beloved daughter of the former Director of Academic Planning (D.A.P) of our Institution, Mr. Chimo, who also once contested for the office of Rector last time.”
It further reads: “According to the family, she had been sent from home last few days ago, but unfortunately did not return. After days of searching and making announcements, her dead body was sadly discovered this afternoon, 29th September, 2025, just behind their apartment.”
“The late young lady was an innocent soul, a fresh HND graduate who had already begun her Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) studies. Truly, this is an unexpected and painful loss, not just to her family but to the entire Federal Polytechnic Bauchi community,” the statement further contained.
It stressed: “This sad incident is a strong reminder for us all, as students, to remain vigilant and cautious within the school premises and beyond, in order to safeguard our lives.”
“On behalf of the entire students community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Chimo and his family during this difficult time. May Almighty God grant them strength and comfort. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” It concluded as written by Comrade Shinga.”
