By Victoria Yakubu
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered an investigation into an alleged witchcraft-related attack in Gobirawa Village, Alkaleri Local Government Area, which left a 30-year-old man injured and two motorcycles damaged.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the attack occurred on October 18 after the suspects allegedly blamed the victim’s 30-year-old son for the death of 20-year-old Halilu Ahmad on October 16. The suspects, alongside three others still at large, allegedly invaded the family’s residence at about 1 a.m., armed with machetes and sticks.
The police said the attackers allegedly stabbed the victim, inflicting multiple fractures on his left hand and leg, as well as other injuries to his body.
Following the incident, detectives attached to the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters arrested 17 male suspects, all residents of Gobirawa Village, at about 3 p.m. on October 18.
The police said the suspects were arrested over alleged criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, house trespass, intimidation, attempted culpable homicide and mischief.
The victim was initially taken to the General Hospital, Alkaleri, for treatment but was later referred to Ihsan Hospital, Bauchi, after his condition deteriorated, the statement said.
Aliyu subsequently ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for further investigation.
He directed the investigators to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure the diligent prosecution of those found culpable.
The commissioner condemned resorting to self-help and jungle justice based on unverified superstitious beliefs, warning that the command would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting law and order.
He assured the victims and members of the public that justice would be served. The command urged residents to report grievances to law enforcement agencies rather than take the law into their own hands.
It also warned against acting on unverified allegations, stressing that suspected crimes and disputes should be handled by the police and other relevant authorities through lawful means.
