Woman killed in alleged witchcraft attack in Bauchi, one suspect arrested

A 30-year-old woman, Habse Ubale, has been killed in an alleged witchcraft-related attack in Garin Malam Village, Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, while one suspect has been arrested and two others remain at large.

The Bauchi State Police Command disclosed that the incident occurred in the early hours of July 28, 2026, after suspects allegedly stormed the residence of 38-year-old Audu Sabo following accusations that his wife, Habse Ubale, was a witch.

According to the police, the prime suspect, Garba Daudu, 35, allegedly conspired with two other suspects identified as Ya’u Garba and Musa, who reportedly trespassed into the family’s home and launched a violent attack.

“During the assault, Habse Ubale was allegedly attacked with a machete, while Audu Sabo and two minors, 12-year-old Sale Audu and 14-year-old Yakubu Audu, were beaten with sticks, leaving all four victims with varying degrees of injuries,” the statement said.

Police operatives, assisted by local hunters and vigilantes, responded swiftly after receiving the report and evacuated the victims to the General Hospital in Gamawa.

“Habse Ubale was, however, confirmed dead by a medical doctor, while one of the injured victims remains on admission. The other two victims were treated and discharged after receiving medical attention,” the statement explained.

The police said one suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the two remaining suspects who fled the area.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the attack, warning against jungle justice and acts of violence driven by superstition.

He assured residents that “the Command is committed to ensuring justice is served” and appealed to members of the public to remain law-abiding and provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.