Police arrest two over suspected infant killing, witchcraft-related murder in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command says it has arrested two suspects in separate incidents involving the death of a four-month-old baby and the alleged killing of a 60-year-old woman accused of witchcraft.

The incidents occurred in Zirami, Azare, and Kuka Buni in Gadau District on September 24, 2026.

In the first case, police said a 20-year-old mother reported at Azare Division at about 10pm with her four-month-old daughter, Fatimah Muhammad, who was already lifeless.

Police said the mother reported that she had left the baby sleeping while she went to a neighbour’s house for hairdressing.

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According to the Command, she returned home to find the child unresponsive and allegedly saw her husband, 27-year-old Muhammad Garba Ladan, coming out of the room.

Police said the baby was taken to General Hospital, Azare, where a doctor confirmed that she had died from strangulation.

“The suspect was promptly arrested and is being preliminary investigated,” the police said.

The mother also alleged that her husband had previously made several unsuccessful attempts to kill the child.

In the second incident, police said 25-year-old Haruna Amadu allegedly entered the home of 60-year-old Hafsatu Ya’u in Wasari Village, Gadau District, and attacked her with a knife.

The Command said the suspect allegedly accused the woman of witchcraft and blamed her for the illness of a woman identified as Maryam Amadu.

Police said Hafsatu was stabbed in the chest and other parts of her body, while her neck was also cut.

“She was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor,” the Command said.

The police said the suspect was arrested after the incident.

The Command said both cases remained under investigation and would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for discreet investigation.

Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the incidents and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.

The commissioner “condemns in strong terms jungle justice, witchcraft-related killings and violence against women and children,” according to the statement.

He also, “warns the public to desist from taking laws into their own hands.”

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