Bauchi woman killed, children injured over alleged witchcraft

Authorities in Bauchi State, Nigeria, have arrested one individual and initiated a manhunt for two others following the brutal killing of a 30-year-old woman, Habse Ubale. The incident occurred in Garin Malam Village, Gamawa Local Government Area, where Ubale was allegedly hacked to death after being accused of witchcraft.

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The suspects were being investigated for criminal conspiracy, house trespass, assault and culpable homicide.

The Bauchi State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer Nafiu Habib, stated that the suspects are being investigated for serious offenses including criminal conspiracy, house trespass, assault, and culpable homicide. Preliminary findings indicate that on July 28, the principal suspect, Garba Daudu, along with two accomplices identified as Ya’u Garba and Musa, allegedly invaded the residence of Audu Sabo. Their motive was the accusation that Sabo's wife, Habse Ubale, was a witch.

During the violent intrusion, the suspects also assaulted two children, Sale Audu (12) and Yakubu Audu (14), with sticks. Habse Ubale sustained fatal injuries from a machete attack. A joint team of police, hunters, and vigilantes was immediately dispatched to the scene. The victims were transported to the General Hospital in Gamawa for treatment.

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

While Habse Ubale was confirmed dead by medical personnel, one of the injured children remained hospitalized, and the other two were treated and discharged. Police have successfully arrested one suspect, and intensified efforts are underway to apprehend the two fleeing individuals. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation and potential prosecution. The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing and issued a stern warning against jungle justice and superstition-driven violence, assuring the public of the command's commitment to justice.

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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.