Bauchi woman killed, kids injured over alleged witchcraft

By Umar Sani

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested one suspect and launched a manhunt for two others over the killing of a 30-year-old woman, Habse Ubale, who was reportedly hacked to death after being accused of witchcraft in Garin Malam Village, Gamawa Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the suspects were being investigated for criminal conspiracy, house trespass, assault and culpable homicide.

According to him, the incident was reported to the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters on July 29 by a 45-year-old resident of the community.

Habib said preliminary findings showed that on July 28 at about 2:28am, the principal suspect, identified as Garba Daudu (35) allegedly conspired with two others, identified as Ya’u Garba and Musa, who is yet to be fully identified, to invade the residence of one Audu Sabo.

“The suspects attacked Audu Sabo on the allegation that his wife, Habse Ubale, was a witch.

“During the attack, the suspects also assaulted Sale Audu (12), and Yakubu Audu (14) with sticks, while Habse Ubale was attacked with a machete. As a result, all the victims sustained varying degrees of serious injuries,” the statement read.

The police spokesman said a combined team of police operatives, hunters and vigilantes was immediately deployed to the scene, while the victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Gamawa, for treatment.

He added that Ubale was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor, while one of the injured victims remained on admission and the other two victims were treated and discharged.

Habib added that police operatives swiftly arrested one suspect, while efforts had been intensified to apprehend the two fleeing suspects.

He said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for discreet investigation and possible prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing, warning residents against jungle justice and acts of violence driven by superstition.

He assured the public that the command remained committed to ensuring justice for the victim and bringing all those involved in the crime to justice.

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The command also urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and provide credible information that could assist security operatives in arresting the remaining suspects.

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