A 60-year-old man and his 30-year-old son have been attacked with machetes and sticks by a group of men who allegedly accused the younger man of witchcraft following the death of a 20-year-old villager in Bauchi State.
Key Highlights
- A mob attacked a 60-year-old man and his 30-year-old son with machetes and sticks in Gobirawa Village, Alkaleri LGA, Bauchi State.
- The attackers allegedly blamed the son for the death of a 20-year-old villager through witchcraft.
- The older man suffered multiple fractures and was referred to Ihsan Hospital, Bauchi.
- Police arrested 17 suspects; three others remain at large.
- The case has been transferred to the State CID for further investigation.
The attack, which left the older man with multiple fractures to his left hand and leg, occurred at about 1am on October 18, 2026, in Gobirawa Village, Gwana District, Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.
The Bauchi State Police Command said the assailants allegedly invaded the family’s home, attacked the victims and damaged two motorcycles belonging to the household.
Death Of Villager Triggered Attack
The incident reportedly followed the death of a 20-year-old resident, identified as Halilu Ahmad, on October 16, 2026. The suspects allegedly attributed his death to witchcraft or wizardry by the 30-year-old son of the older victim.
Police said the allegation triggered the violent attack, during which the victims sustained injuries.
The 60-year-old man was initially taken to the General Hospital in Alkaleri for treatment but was later referred to Ihsan Hospital in Bauchi following a deterioration in his condition.
The police said the case had assumed the dimension of attempted culpable homicide.
Police Arrest 17 Suspects
In a statement issued on Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said detectives attached to the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters arrested 17 suspects in connection with the incident.
The suspects, all male residents of Gobirawa Village, were arrested on October 18, approximately 14 hours after the reported attack.
Three other suspects identified as Maharazu Isah, Babangida Kadamaje and Yakubu Umaru remain at large, according to the police.
The command said the arrested suspects were being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, house trespass, intimidation, attempted culpable homicide and mischief.
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The state Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for further investigation and the apprehension of the fleeing suspects.
The police commissioner condemned the resort to violence over unverified allegations of witchcraft, warning that the command would not tolerate acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
He urged members of the public to report suspected crimes and grievances to law enforcement agencies rather than taking the law into their own hands.
The incident highlights the dangers of accusations based on superstition, which can expose innocent people to violence and life-threatening attacks without evidence or due process.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and ensure their prosecution.
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