A shocking witchcraft allegation has ended in tragedy in Bauchi State, where a 30-year-old woman, Habse Ubale, was allegedly hacked to death with a machete.
The incident occurred in Garin Malam Village, Gamawa Local Government Area, throwing the community into shock.
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested one suspect in connection with the gruesome attack, while two others are currently on the run.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the suspects were being investigated for criminal conspiracy, house trespass, assault and culpable homicide.
According to the police, the incident was reported at the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters on July 29 by a 45-year-old resident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that around 2:28 a.m. on July 28, the principal suspect, identified as Garba Daudu, 35, allegedly stormed the residence of Audu Sabo with two accomplices, identified as Ya’u Garba and Musa, over an allegation that Sabo’s wife, Ubale, was a witch.
The suspects allegedly attacked Sabo and brutally assaulted other members of the household.
Police said Sale Audu, 12, and Yakubu Audu, 14, were beaten with sticks, while Ubale was allegedly attacked with a machete.
The attack left the victims with serious injuries.
Following the distress report, a combined team of police operatives, hunters and vigilantes rushed to the scene and evacuated the injured victims to General Hospital, Gamawa.
But despite efforts to save her, Ubale was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
One of the injured victims remained on admission, while two others were treated and discharged.
Police said one suspect was quickly arrested, while intensive efforts were underway to track down the two fleeing suspects.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for discreet investigation and possible prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing and warned residents against resorting to jungle justice or violence based on superstition.
He assured the public that the command would pursue justice for Ubale and ensure that everyone found culpable faces the law.
The police also appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding and provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
