Police in Bauchi State have detained 17 people over an alleged assault on a family accused of being responsible for a young man’s death through witchcraft.
The incident reportedly happened around 1am on October 18 in Gobirawa Village, Gwana District, within Alkaleri Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, said the suspects were being investigated for offences including conspiracy, trespassing, intimidation, defamation, property damage and attempted culpable homicide.
Police alleged that the group, alongside three other men who remain at large, stormed the residence of a 60-year-old man while carrying machetes and sticks.
The statement read, “The suspects conspired with three others now at large, Maharazu Isah, Babangida Kadamaje and Yakubu Umaru. They criminally trespassed into the house and premises of a 60-year-old man of the same address, armed with machetes and sticks.”
During the attack, the man’s son, identified as Abubakar, reportedly sustained several injuries, including fractures to his left hand and leg. Two motorcycles belonging to the family were also allegedly damaged.
According to the police, preliminary findings connected the violence to the death of Halilu Ahmad, a 20-year-old resident who died on October 16.
The suspects allegedly believed that the deceased had died because of witchcraft and blamed the victim’s son.
The police statement added, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the attack was allegedly triggered by the death of one Halilu Ahmad, male, 20 years old, of the same address, on October 16, 2026, which the suspects attributed to witchcraft or wizardry by the son of the victim.”
Officers from the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters reportedly arrested the 17 suspects at about 3pm on October 18. The three other men named in connection with the incident are still being sought.
The injured victim was first taken to General Hospital, Alkaleri, before being referred to Ihsan Hospital in Bauchi after his condition deteriorated.
Police said the investigation now involves a suspected case of attempted culpable homicide.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation and prosecution of anyone found responsible.
He cautioned residents against using violence to settle disputes or acting on unverified claims of witchcraft.
The command warned that it “will not tolerate any act capable of causing a breakdown of law and order,” and urged members of the public to report suspected crimes to the police rather than resort to mob action.