By Christopher Ameh, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 17 suspects over an alleged witchcraft accusation that triggered a violent attack on a 60-year-old man and his family in Gobirawa Village, Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The suspects allegedly attacked the man and his 30-year-old son after accusing the son of witchcraft following the death of a 20-year-old resident, Halilu Ahmad, on October 16, 2026.
The attack reportedly occurred around 1am on October 18, when the suspects allegedly invaded the family’s residence armed with machetes and sticks, inflicting multiple injuries on the victims.
The attackers also allegedly damaged two motorcycles belonging to the family.
The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the attack was triggered by the suspects’ belief that the victim’s son was responsible for the death through witchcraft.
The 60-year-old victim was initially taken to General Hospital, Alkaleri, for treatment but was later referred to Ihsan Hospital, Bauchi, due to the severity of his condition.
Police spokesman, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Monday, saying detectives attached to the Alkaleri Division apprehended the 17 suspects following the incident.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, had directed the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for discreet investigation.
According to Habib, the commissioner also ordered efforts to apprehend three other suspects still at large.
Aliyu warned residents against witchcraft accusations and unverified superstitious beliefs that could trigger violence and the unlawful punishment of innocent people.
He urged residents to report suspicions, grievances and criminal allegations to the police rather than resorting to self-help or jungle justice.
The commissioner assured the public that the command would pursue justice in the case and would not tolerate actions capable of threatening public peace and security.
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