Bauchi: Witchcraft Claim Sparks Violent Attack as Police Arrest 17

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 17 suspects following a violent attack on a 60-year-old man and his family in Gobirawa Village, Alkaleri Local Government Area, after the victim’s son was accused of witchcraft.

The incident reportedly occurred around 1 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, following the death of a 20-year-old resident, Halilu Ahmad, on October 16.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly invaded the family’s residence armed with machetes and sticks, attacking the 60-year-old man and his 30-year-old son and inflicting multiple injuries on both victims.

The attackers were also accused of damaging two motorcycles belonging to the family during the incident.

Police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Monday, explaining that preliminary investigations indicated the attack was triggered by allegations that the victim’s son had caused the young man’s death through witchcraft.

The injured 60-year-old man was initially taken to General Hospital, Alkaleri, before being referred to Ihsan Hospital in Bauchi for further treatment because of his deteriorating condition.

Detectives attached to the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters reportedly arrested the 17 suspects following the attack.

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, subsequently directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for a discreet investigation.

The police also said efforts were ongoing to apprehend three additional suspects who remained at large.

Aliyu condemned the attack and warned residents against acting on unverified allegations or superstitious beliefs that could result in violence and the unlawful punishment of innocent people.

He urged members of the public to report suspicions, grievances and allegations of criminal conduct to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to self-help or jungle justice.

The command assured residents that it would pursue justice in the case and take action against anyone found to have participated in the attack.

The incident adds to concerns over mob violence linked to witchcraft accusations in parts of Bauchi State, where police have repeatedly cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands.