The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a housewife, Suwaira Ibrahim, for allegedly burning the private part of her seven-year-old niece with a hot knife in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area of the state.
The victim, identified as Habiba (not real name), was said to have been accused of witchcraft by the suspect after her own child claimed to have seen the minor in the company of “witches.”
A community activist, Kabiru Mohammed Abdulkadir, told journalists on Thursday in Bauchi that the suspect had taken the girl to a spiritualist who reportedly cleared her of the allegation.
He said Ibrahim, dissatisfied with the spiritualist’s verdict, allegedly returned home, heated a knife and pressed it on the girl’s private part to test her innocence.
“It was her loud cries that attracted neighbours. When we rushed into the house, we met her writhing in pain and insisted the case be reported to the police,” Abdulkadir said.
The victim, who sustained severe burns in her private part and thighs, was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, for urgent medical treatment.
The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident.
He said the case was initially reported at the Toro Divisional Police Headquarters before being transferred to the State Command.
“We are aware of it. Initially, some people attempted to cover up the case at the community level, but we insisted it must be brought to the Command. A full statement will be issued as soon as investigations progress,” Wakil said.
