Fawaz Adebisi
A 30-year-old housewife, Habse Ubale, has been beaten to death after being accused of witchcraft in Garin Malam community, Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The attack, which also left her husband and two children with varying degrees of injuries, has triggered the arrest of one suspect, while two others are currently on the run.
The Bauchi State Police Command disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib.
According to the police, the incident occurred in the early hours of July 28 when the suspects allegedly stormed the residence of Audu Sabo, accusing his wife, Habse Ubale, of practising witchcraft.
Habib said a 45-year-old resident of the community reported the incident at the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters on July 29.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the prime suspect, identified as Garba Daudu, 35, allegedly conspired with two other men, identified simply as Ya’u Garba and Musa, to invade the family’s home.
The police spokesperson said the attackers allegedly assaulted Audu Sabo and his wife before attacking their children, identified as 12-year-old Sale Audu and 14-year-old Yakubu Audu.
He added that the assailants inflicted severe injuries on the victims during the attack.
“Police operatives, local hunters and vigilantes were immediately mobilised to the scene after the report was received, and the victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Gamawa, for treatment,” Habib said.
He, however, disclosed that Habse Ubale was confirmed dead by doctors shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Her remains were photographed in line with police procedure before being released to her family for burial.
According to the command, one of the surviving victims remains on admission, while the other two have been treated and discharged.
The police said one suspect has been arrested in connection with the killing, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the two fleeing suspects.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing, describing it as an act of jungle justice driven by superstition.
He assured residents that the command would ensure all those involved in the crime are arrested and prosecuted.
The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.
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