Police Arrest 17 Over Alleged Witchcraft-Related Attack in Bauchi

By Nasiru Hassan

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 17 suspects over an alleged violent attack on a 60-year-old man and his family in Gobirawa Village, Gwana District, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The attack, which reportedly occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on October 18, 2026, was allegedly triggered by accusations of witchcraft following the death of a 20-year-old man, identified as Halilu Ahmad, two days earlier.

According to a press release issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the suspects allegedly accused the son of the 60-year-old victim of being responsible for the death and subsequently invaded the family’s residence.

The police said the suspects, allegedly armed with machetes and sticks, attacked the victim and stabbed him, leaving him with multiple fractures to his left hand and leg, as well as other injuries.

The victim’s 30-year-old son was also reportedly injured, while two motorcycles belonging to the family were damaged during the incident.

The police said the injured man was initially taken to General Hospital, Alkaleri, before being referred to Ihsan Hospital in Bauchi for further treatment due to the deterioration of his health condition.

Following the incident, detectives attached to the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters reportedly arrested 17 male suspects from Gobirawa Village at about 3:00 p.m. on October 18.

The police identified three other suspects, named as Maharazu Isah, Babangida Kadamaje and Yakubu Umaru, as being at large.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for further investigation, following a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu.

The command said the investigation would also focus on apprehending the fleeing suspects and ensuring the diligent prosecution of those found culpable.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police condemned resorting to self-help and jungle justice based on unverified superstitious beliefs.

He warned that the command would not tolerate acts capable of disrupting public peace and assured victims and members of the public that justice would be pursued.

The police urged residents to report grievances and suspected criminal activities to law enforcement agencies rather than taking the law into their own hands.