Seventeen Arrested in Bauchi for Violent Attack Linked to Witchcraft Allegations

The Bauchi State Police have arrested 17 people after a violent attack on a family in Gobirawa Village. This incident is linked to accusations of witchcraft and took place early on October 18, 2026.

According to police, the suspects are involved in serious crimes, including conspiracy, defamation, trespassing, intimidation, and attempted murder. The attack reportedly occurred around 1 a.m. when the suspects invaded the home of a 60-year-old man, armed with machetes and sticks.

During the attack, the victim’s son, Abubakar, suffered multiple fractures and other injuries. Another son, aged 30, was also hurt, and two motorcycles belonging to the family were damaged. Police believe the violence was triggered by the recent death of a 20-year-old man named Halilu Ahmad, which the suspects blamed on witchcraft.

The police arrested the suspects in the afternoon of the same day, with ages ranging from 18 to 50. The victim was initially taken to a local hospital but was later moved to a different facility due to worsening health.

The police commissioner has ordered that the case be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further action. He condemned the use of violence based on unverified beliefs and urged the community to report issues to the police instead of taking matters into their own hands.