The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a woman, Sadiat Yunusa, for allegedly strangling her three-year-old stepdaughter, Ummaiyat Y., to death in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the incident occurred on July 25 after the child's mother left her in the care of a family member while she went to the Kaiama Central Market.

According to the police, Yunusa allegedly took the child from the house to a nearby farm settlement, where she reportedly strangled her.

Detectives attached to the Kaiama Divisional Police Headquarters subsequently launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of the suspect.

The police said the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation, claiming that her action was motivated by resentment and jealousy arising from a prolonged domestic dispute.

Ejire-Adeyemi said Yunusa alleged that her husband had neglected her and their three children in favour of his second wife.

"Prompt investigative efforts led to the arrest of the suspect, who during interrogation voluntarily confessed to the commission of the offence," the police spokesperson said.

She added that the suspect had alleged that the dispute within the family contributed to her actions.

The police said investigation into the case had been concluded and the suspect charged to court for prosecution.

The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to assist efforts to prevent and tackle crime across the state.