Body of Missing HND Graduate Found on Polytechnic Farm in Bauchi, Police Launch Homicide Probe.

Body of Missing HND Graduate Found on Polytechnic Farm in Bauchi, Police Launch Homicide Probe.

The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has been plunged into mourning following the tragic discovery of the body of Fatima Chimo, a young Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate and daughter of a senior staff member. Her remains were found on a maize farm within the institution’s staff quarters days after she was reported missing.

The discovery brings a sorrowful conclusion to a search that began on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, when Fatima was sent to purchase groceries at the nearby Birshin Fulani market. According to the Bauchi State Police Command, she never returned home, and after her mobile phone became unreachable, her father, Salihu Mohammed Chimo, a former Director of Academic Planning at the Polytechnic, reported her missing on Thursday.

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Initial reports had suggested the body was found in the Birshin Fulani community. However, Police Spokesperson CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil provided a crucial clarification, stating that the remains were actually recovered within the Polytechnic’s staff quarters.

The breakthrough came on Monday, September 29, following a distress call. A resident, Bashar Adamu, was working on his father’s maize farm inside the staff quarters when he noticed a foul odour. Upon investigation, he made the grim discovery of Fatima’s decomposing body.

A police team, led by CSP Yahaya Yunusa, the Divisional Police Officer of “E” Division, swiftly secured the scene. Fatima’s personal bag and the groceries she had purchased were found beside her, confirming her identity. Her body was moved to the Federal Polytechnic Clinic, where doctors officially confirmed her death before it was released to the grieving family.

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Community in Mourning, Investigation Underway

In response to the tragedy, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a “discreet homicide investigation” to unravel the circumstances leading to Fatima’s death and ensure justice is served.

The Polytechnic community is reeling from the loss. In a heartfelt condolence message posted on the institution’s official Facebook group, Fatima was described as “an innocent soul, a promising young graduate who had already commenced her Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) studies.” The message also urged the community to remain vigilant on and off campus.

Fatima was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites. Her Janaza (funeral prayer) was held at 4:10 p.m. on Monday at the Federal Polytechnic Central Mosque.

Sympathizers have flooded social media with prayers, asking for Allah to forgive her shortcomings, grant her Jannatul Firdaus (the highest level of Paradise), and give her family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. The incident has cast a pall over Bauchi, highlighting urgent concerns about safety even within institutional confines.