Police probe killing of woman accused of witchcraft in Bauchi

Police in Bauchi State have launched an investigation into the alleged murder of a 30-year-old woman accused of witchcraft in a rural village near Gamawa. The victim, Habse Ubale, was reportedly attacked alongside her husband, Audu Sabo, and their two sons during an early morning assault on their home. According to official reports, the incident occurred around 2:28 a.m. on July 28 in Garin Malam Village, located within the Gamawa Local Government Area. A local resident filed a report with the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters on July 29, prompting authorities to initiate an inquiry. The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed that one suspect had been arrested, while two others were still at large. The suspects, identified as Garba Daudu, 35, and two unnamed individuals named Ya’u Garba and Musa, are under investigation for multiple charges including criminal conspiracy, house trespass, assault, and culpable homicide. Police stated that the attackers targeted the family based on the belief that Habse Ubale practiced witchcraft, a common accusation used to justify violence in some communities. According to the police statement released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Senior Superintendent Nafiu Habib, the assailants used sticks to strike two of the victims, Sale Audu, aged 12, and Yakubu Audu, aged 14, while Habse Ubale was struck with a machete. All four individuals sustained serious injuries, though two of them were treated and released from the General Hospital in Gamawa. The third victim, Habse Ubale, died following medical confirmation by hospital staff. Following the incident, a joint task force comprising police officers, hunters, and local vigilantes was deployed to secure the area and assist in the search for the remaining suspects. Authorities emphasized that the case would be handled discreetly by the State Criminal Investigation Department, which would determine whether legal proceedings would follow. The police have called upon the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and instead provide any credible information that might aid in the capture of the fugitives. The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, publicly denounced the act, condemning the use of so-called “jungle justice” and violence rooted in superstitious beliefs. He reiterated the commitment of the police to ensure that justice is served for the deceased and that all those responsible for the crime face appropriate legal consequences. The statement urged residents to maintain peace and cooperation with law enforcement agencies. The incident has drawn attention to the persistent issue of violence linked to accusations of witchcraft in parts of Nigeria. Such claims often lead to brutal attacks, particularly against women, who are frequently targeted due to societal prejudices and fears surrounding supernatural practices. While the police have taken steps to address the immediate situation, broader concerns about the prevalence of such crimes and the need for education and legal reform remain unresolved. In the wake of the tragedy, local leaders and community members have been advised to avoid spreading rumors or engaging in vigilantism. Instead, they are encouraged to support the ongoing investigation and cooperate fully with the police. The arrest of one suspect marks a critical step forward in the process, but the pursuit of the remaining individuals continues. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will seek to establish the full extent of the circumstances leading to the attack and ensure that all legal procedures are followed diligently.