The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 17-year-old boy, Auwalu Muhammad, for allegedly plucking out the eyes of his younger sister for ritual purposes in Wailo town, Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on Oct. 17, left the victim, identified as Rukayya Muhammad, permanently blind.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakil, described the act as “heinous and inhuman,” adding that the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation.
According to Wakil, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect lured his sister into a nearby bush, where he attacked her and forcefully removed both eyes in a bid to acquire wealth through ritual means.
“Unfortunately, a medical doctor (eye specialist) at the hospital confirmed that the young girl will never regain her vision for the rest of her life,” he said.
He added that several other suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident. They include Auwal Dahiru (17) of Bayan Dutse, Wailo; Mohammed Rabiu (19); Saleh Ibrahim (20); Nasiru Muhammad; Hassan Garba; and Garba Dahiru (43), all from Soro town in Ganjuwa Local Government Area.
“All the suspects are currently in custody, and the investigation is ongoing to ensure that justice is served,” the police spokesperson said.
Wakil urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies to help curb ritual-related crimes in the state.
