The Bauchi State Police Command says a 51-year-old man, Monday Chiroma, and a 30-year-old woman, Hafse Ubale, were killed separately after being accused of witchcraft.
In another incident, a 21-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stabbing a 25-year-old man to death in Unguwan Kur, Bauchi State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafi’u Habib, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday.
Man Beaten to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation in Dandango
Habib said Monday Chiroma died after being attacked in Dandango village over allegations of witchcraft.
According to him, Chiroma and another resident, Yelwa Bango, were allegedly attacked by a group of men who accused them of bewitching a 20-year-old woman, Jamila Anthony.
“The victims were rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. Monday Chiroma was certified dead, while Yelwa Bango was admitted and treated,” Habib said.
The Command arrested three suspects: Danjuma Anthony, 25; Ayuba Anthony, 22, also known as Babaru; and Christopher Adamu, 34.
“They allegedly confessed to the offence during interrogation. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects who remain at large,” the PPRO added.
Woman Hacked to Death in Garin Malam, Gamawa LGA
In a separate incident, Hafse Ubale, 30, was killed after being accused of witchcraft in Garin Malam village, Gamawa Local Government Area.
Habib said a suspect, Garba Daudu, 35, allegedly led two others armed with sticks and machetes to the home of the deceased. They accused her husband, Audu Sabo, of harbouring a wife they claimed was a witch.
“Preliminary investigation showed that Garba Daudu conspired with two others identified as Ya’u Garba and Musa, whose other names are yet to be established, to unlawfully enter Audu Sabo’s residence,” Habib said.
During the attack, the assailants assaulted Audu Sabo and hacked Hafse Ubale with a machete. They also injured three other family members: Sale Audu, 12, and Yakubu Audu, 14, who were beaten with sticks.
A 45-year-old resident reported the incident to the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters. Police operatives, supported by hunters and vigilantes, evacuated the victims to the General Hospital in Gamawa.
“Sadly, Hafse Ubale was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. After the necessary documentation, her body was released to her family for burial. One of the injured victims is still receiving treatment, while the other two have been treated and discharged,” Habib said.
One suspect has been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the two others who fled. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Bauchi for further investigation and prosecution.
21-Year-Old Arrested Over Fatal Stabbing in Unguwan Kur
In another case, Al-Amin Hamisu Gidado, 21, was arrested over the stabbing of Zahraddeen Dan’Azumi Tanko, 25, in Unguwan Kur.
Habib alleged that Gidado, alongside another suspect, Yahaya Mu’azu, who is currently at large, stabbed the victim in the back.
Zahraddeen was taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where doctors confirmed him dead on arrival.
Both cases have been transferred to the SCID for further investigation and prosecution.
CP Condemns Jungle Justice
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the incidents and warned against jungle justice and violence driven by superstition.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding, avoid taking the law into their own hands, and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
“The Command will ensure that all those involved are arrested and prosecuted,” the CP assured, and called on the public to provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of fleeing suspects.
Source: Bauchi State Police Command