The Bauchi State Police Command has begun investigating the killing of a 30-year-old woman, Habse Ubale, allegedly murdered after being accused of witchcraft in Garin Malam Village, Gamawa Local Government Area, with one suspect already in custody and two others on the run.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, said the suspects are facing allegations of criminal conspiracy, house trespass, assault and culpable homicide.
According to him, the case was reported to the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters on July 29 by a resident of the village.
Preliminary investigations revealed that in the early hours of July 28, the principal suspect, Garba Daudu, allegedly carried out the attack with two accomplices, identified as Ya’u Garba and Musa, whose full identity has yet to be established. The group reportedly forced their way into the home of Audu Sabo.
The statement read, “The suspects attacked Audu Sabo on the allegation that his wife, Habse Ubale, was a witch.
“During the attack, the suspects also assaulted Sale Audu (12), and Yakubu Audu (14) with sticks, while Habse Ubale was attacked with a machete. As a result, all the victims sustained varying degrees of serious injuries.”
Habib said police operatives, assisted by local hunters and vigilantes, quickly responded to the incident and evacuated the injured victims to the General Hospital in Gamawa.
He said Ubale later died from her injuries, while one of the children is still receiving treatment. The remaining two victims have since been discharged after medical care.
The command confirmed that one suspect has been arrested, while security operatives are intensifying efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Habib added that the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a detailed investigation and possible prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the incident, cautioning residents against jungle justice and violence fuelled by superstition.
He also assured the public that the command would ensure everyone connected to the crime is brought to justice and urged residents to cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.