17 Arrested As Witchcraft Allegation Triggers Violent Family Attack In Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 17 men over a violent attack on a family in Gobirawa Village, Alkaleri Local Government Area, allegedly triggered by accusations of witchcraft following the death of a 20-year-old resident.
The attack occurred at about 1am on October 18, 2026, two days after the death of Halilu Ahmad, whose death allegedly prompted the suspects to accuse the son of a 60-year-old man of causing the tragedy through witchcraft.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, the suspects, alongside three others currently at large, allegedly invaded the family’s residence armed with machetes and sticks.
During the assault, a man identified as Abubakar was stabbed and sustained multiple fractures to his left hand and leg, alongside other injuries. His 30-year-old son was also injured, while two motorcycles belonging to the family were damaged.
The injured Abubakar was initially rushed to the General Hospital in Alkaleri but was later referred to Ihsan Hospital in Bauchi after his condition deteriorated.
The police said detectives in Alkaleri arrested the 17 suspects at about 3pm on the day of the incident, following preliminary investigations linking the violence to the witchcraft allegation.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi to take over the case, conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the arrest of the remaining suspects.
Those still being sought are Maharazu Isah, Babangida Kadamaje and Yakubu Umaru.
Condemning the attack, Aliyu warned residents against taking the law into their own hands based on unverified allegations, stressing that the command would not tolerate acts capable of threatening public peace.
The police urged residents to report grievances and suspicions to law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to violence.
The command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that those responsible for the attack face justice.
