The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 17 suspects following a violent attack on a family in Gobirawa Village, Alkaleri Local Government Area, after the family’s son was accused of witchcraft.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 1 am on Sunday, 18 October 2026, when the suspects allegedly invaded the residence of a 60-year-old man armed with machetes and sticks.
According to the police, the attackers allegedly assaulted the man’s son, identified as Abubakar, inflicting multiple fractures on his left hand and leg, alongside other injuries. The man’s 30-year-old son also sustained injuries during the attack.
The assailants reportedly damaged two motorcycles belonging to the family before leaving the scene.
What triggered the attack?
Preliminary police investigations indicated that the violence was allegedly triggered by the death of a 20-year-old resident, Halilu Ahmad, on 16 October.
The suspects reportedly blamed the deceased’s death on witchcraft allegedly practised by the 60-year-old man’s son, leading to the attack on the family.
Police spokesperson SP Nafiu Habib said detectives attached to the Alkaleri Division arrested 17 suspects following the incident. Three other suspects — Maharazu Isah, Babangida Kadamaje and Yakubu Umaru — remain at large.
The police said the injured 60-year-old man was initially taken to General Hospital, Alkaleri, but was later referred to Ihsan Hospital in Bauchi following a deterioration in his condition.
Police warn against jungle justice
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and the apprehension of the fleeing suspects.
He condemned the resort to violence based on unverified accusations, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.
The command urged members of the public to report grievances and suspected criminal activities to law enforcement agencies rather than attacking or punishing others based on allegations.
The arrested suspects are being investigated over alleged criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, house trespass, intimidation, attempted culpable homicide and mischief.
