The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with separate incidents involving the death of a four-month-old baby and the alleged killing of a 60-year-old woman accused of witchcraft.
The incidents occurred on September 24, 2026, in Zirami, Azare, and Kuka Buni in Gadau District, according to the police.
Man Arrested Over Baby’s Death
Police said a 20-year-old woman reported at the Azare Divisional Police Headquarters after discovering that her four-month-old daughter, Fatimah Muhammad, was lifeless.
The woman reportedly told police that she had left the baby sleeping at home while she went to a neighbour’s house for hairdressing.
Upon her return, she allegedly found the child unresponsive and saw her husband, identified as 27-year-old Muhammad Garba Ladan, coming out of the room.
Police said the baby was taken to General Hospital, Azare, where a medical doctor confirmed her death and attributed the cause to strangulation.
The husband was subsequently arrested and is undergoing preliminary investigation. The mother also alleged that he had previously made unsuccessful attempts to kill the child.
Woman Allegedly Killed Over Witchcraft Accusation
In a separate incident in Wasari Village, Gadau District, police arrested 25-year-old Haruna Amadu over the alleged killing of 60-year-old Hafsatu Ya’u.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly accused the woman of witchcraft and blamed her for the illness of a woman identified as Maryam Amadu.
Police said Hafsatu was allegedly attacked with a knife, sustaining injuries to her chest and other parts of her body, while her neck was also cut.
She was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
Investigation Ongoing
The Bauchi State Police Command said both cases remain under investigation and would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the incidents and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
He also condemned witchcraft-related killings and violence against women and children, urging members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the appropriate authorities.
The suspects remain allegations at this stage, pending the outcome of police investigations and any subsequent legal proceedings.
Source: https://yaroinsider.ng/bauchi-police-arrest-two-infant-killing-witchcraft-related-murder/
