Bauchi: Man Arrested After Deadly Attack on 60-Year-Old Woman Over Witchcraft Claim

A 25-year-old man, Haruna Amadu, from Kuka Buni Village in Bauchi State's Gadau District, is now in police custody following the alleged murder of 60-year-old Hafsatu Ya'u. The tragic incident, which occurred on September 24, 2026, saw Amadu reportedly breaking into Ms. Ya'u's home in Wasari Village around 7:00 AM.

According to police reports, Amadu is accused of attacking the elderly woman, slitting her throat and inflicting multiple stab wounds to her chest and other body parts. The suspect allegedly justified his actions by accusing Ms. Ya'u of witchcraft, claiming she was responsible for the severe illness of Maryam Amadu, also from Kuka Buni Village.

Following the brutal assault, Ms. Ya'u lost consciousness, and her attacker fled the scene. Upon receiving the report around 8:00 AM, a team of detectives from the Gadau Division quickly responded, transporting the victim to General Hospital Azare for urgent medical care. However, a medical doctor later pronounced her dead. Her remains have since been released to her family for burial rites.

Authorities confirmed that Haruna Amadu has since been apprehended. The case, along with related matters, is currently under investigation and is slated for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for a thorough and discreet inquiry.

Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), has strongly denounced such acts, condemning jungle justice, killings stemming from witchcraft allegations, and all forms of violence against women and children. He issued a stern warning to the public against resorting to self-help and taking the law into their own hands.