By Ado Oyeyemi
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 17 suspects over an attack on a family in Gobirawa village, Alkaleri Local Government Area, following an allegation that a young man used witchcraft to cause a resident’s death.
The suspects allegedly invaded the family’s residence in the early hours of Sunday, October 18, armed with machetes and sticks, leaving a 60-year-old man and his 30-year-old son with multiple injuries.
The attackers were also accused of damaging two motorcycles belonging to the family.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Monday, explaining that the incident was linked to suspicions surrounding the death of 20-year-old Halilu Ahmad on October 16, 2026.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly attacked the family because they believed the younger victim was responsible for Ahmad’s death through witchcraft.
The 60-year-old victim was initially taken to General Hospital, Alkaleri, for treatment but was subsequently referred to Ihsan Hospital in Bauchi due to the severity of his injuries.
Detectives attached to the Alkaleri Police Division reportedly arrested the suspects following the incident.
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police had ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation.
The command also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend three other suspects still at large.
The commissioner cautioned residents against resorting to violence over unverified allegations of witchcraft and other superstitious beliefs, warning that such actions could result in the unlawful punishment of innocent people.
He urged members of the public to report suspicious activities, disputes and alleged criminal conduct to the police rather than taking the law into their own hands.
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The command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining peace and security across the state.
