30-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Killed Over Witchcraft Accusation in Bauchi
A 30-year-old woman, Habse Ubale, has allegedly been hacked to death after she was accused of witchcraft in Garin Malam Village, Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, while two others involved are currently on the run.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the suspects were being investigated for offences including criminal conspiracy, house trespass, assault and culpable homicide.
According to the police, the incident was reported at the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters on July 29 by a 45-year-old resident of the community.
Preliminary investigations revealed that at about 2:28 a.m. on July 28, the main suspect, identified as Garba Daudu, 35, allegedly entered the home of Audu Sabo with two accomplices, Ya’u Garba and Musa, whose full identity is yet to be confirmed.
The suspects reportedly attacked Sabo after accusing his wife, Habse Ubale, of being a witch.
During the attack, the suspects allegedly assaulted two children, Sale Audu, 12, and Yakubu Audu, 14, with sticks, while Ubale was attacked with a machete.
The victims sustained serious injuries and were later rescued by a combined team of police officers, local hunters and vigilantes before being taken to General Hospital, Gamawa, for medical treatment.
Habib said Ubale was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor, while one of the injured victims remained hospitalised and the others were treated and discharged.
The police said the arrested suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing and warned residents against jungle justice and violence based on superstition.
He assured the public that the command would ensure justice for the deceased and bring all those responsible for the attack to face the law.
The police also urged residents to remain calm and provide useful information that could help in the arrest of the remaining suspects.
