Police investigate murder of woman accused of witchcraft in Bauchi

A 30-year-old woman named Habse Ubale has been killed after being accused of witchcraft in Garin Malam Village, Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The Bauchi State Police Command said they have arrested one suspect in connection with the case, while two others are still on the run.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, shared this in a statement on Friday. He mentioned that the suspects are being investigated for crimes like conspiracy, house trespass, assault, and culpable homicide.

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

Habib said early investigations showed that around 2:28 a.m. on July 28, the main suspect, Garba Daudu, 35, allegedly teamed up with two others, Ya’u Garba and Musa, whose full names are not yet known, to break into the home of Audu Sabo.

“The suspects attacked Audu Sabo claiming his wife, Habse Ubale, was a witch.

“During the attack, the suspects also hit Sale Audu, 12, and Yakubu Audu, 14, with sticks, while Habse Ubale was attacked with a machete.

“As a result, all the victims suffered serious injuries,” the statement said.

The police spokesperson reported that a team of police officers, local hunters, and vigilantes was quickly sent to the scene. The victims were taken to the General Hospital, Gamawa, for treatment.

He confirmed that Ubale was later declared dead by a doctor, while one of the injured boys is still hospitalized and the other two were treated and sent home.

Habib stated that police operatives quickly arrested one suspect. Efforts are ongoing to capture the two suspects who are still at large.

He mentioned that the case has now been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation and potential prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the murder. He warned people against taking the law into their own hands and acting on superstitions.

He assured the public that the police are committed to ensuring justice for the victim and will bring all those involved in the crime to justice.

The command also urged residents to stay calm, obey the law, and provide any reliable information that could help police catch the remaining suspects.