Police arrest two over suspected infant killing, witchcraft-related murder in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended two individuals in connection with the deaths of a four-month-old infant and a 60-year-old woman, both reportedly linked to alleged witchcraft. These incidents transpired in Zirami, Azare, and Kuka Buni in Gadau District on September 24, 2026.

In the first case, a 20-year-old mother alerted police at Azare Division around 10 PM, informing them of her daughter, Fatimah Muhammad, who was already deceased. The mother claimed she had left the infant sleeping before going to a neighbor's house for hairdressing. Upon her return, she discovered the child unresponsive and noticed her husband, Muhammad Garba Ladan, 27 years old, emerging from the room.

The baby was transported to General Hospital, Azare, where a medical professional confirmed the child's demise due to strangulation. The husband was subsequently arrested and is undergoing preliminary investigation.

The second incident involved 25-year-old Haruna Amadu, who allegedly entered the residence of 60-year-old Hafsatu Ya’u in Wasari Village, Gadau District, and assaulted her with a knife. The suspect accused the woman of practicing witchcraft, blaming her for the illness of a woman named Maryam Amadu. Hafsatu was stabbed in the chest and various other parts of her body, as well as her neck.

Despite medical intervention, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. The suspect was apprehended following the occurrence. Both cases are currently under investigation and will be forwarded to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for a thorough inquiry. Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, denounced the incidents, firmly condemning jungle justice, witchcraft-related killings, and violence perpetrated against women and children. He also cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands.