The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a 70-year-old woman, Talatu Joshua, in Gobir village, Kirfi Local Government Area, over allegations of witchcraft.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Ahmed Wakili, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Bauchi.
He said the deceased was allegedly attacked on March 2 by four suspects identified as Rilwanu Usman, Ali Isa, Ila Alhaji Marafa, and Jamilu Malam Usman.
Wakili said the assailants inflicted multiple injuries on the victim, including a severe wound beneath her left ear.
“The victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Kirfi but was later pronounced dead,” he said.
The PPRO explained that a police investigation led to the arrest of the suspects on March 8, and they are currently in custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further questioning.
According to Wakili, preliminary findings indicated that the attack was allegedly instigated by a traditional healer, who claimed the deceased was responsible for the illness of Ramatu Yusuf, the wife of one of the suspects.
“Acting on this claim, the suspects confronted the victim, accused her of witchcraft, and attacked her with sticks, leading to her death,” he said.
Meanwhile, a petition submitted by ADA-LIGHT KWALTINGS, SAMUEL & PARTNERS alleged that officers at the Kirfi Police Division failed to arrest the suspects despite knowing their identities.
The petition claimed that Talatu was attacked around 4:00 p.m. while returning from St. Benedict Catholic Church.
It alleged that the attackers used sticks, knives, and cutlasses, inflicting fatal injuries before bystanders could intervene.
The petition further alleged that a complainant immediately contacted a police officer, ASP Jerry, to report the attack, but no immediate action was taken.
“Upon arrival with a team of officers, the victim was already deceased,” the petition stated.
It further alleged that officers at the Kirfi Division confirmed her death but told the complainant he would receive updates the next day.
According to the petition, when no updates were received, the complainant contacted the officer again, who allegedly advised him to proceed with the burial.
The petition accused the police of failing to arrest the suspects, despite eyewitness reports identifying them as they fled the scene.
Reacting to the petition, Wakili dismissed the claims, describing some of the allegations as “unsubstantiated.”
He noted that police officers are not medically qualified to confirm death, emphasizing that investigations must follow due process.
“The Police, as an independent entity, adhere strictly to professional protocols and procedures,” he said.
He warned against the spread of misinformation, saying, “The Bauchi State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice and maintaining peace in the state.”
Wakili assured that the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.
