The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with separate incidents involving the death of a four-month-old baby and the alleged murder of a 60-year-old woman accused of witchcraft.
The incidents reportedly occurred on September 24, 2026, in areas within Gadau District of Bauchi State.
In the first case, police said a 20-year-old mother arrived at the Azare Divisional Police Station around 10pm with her four-month-old daughter, Fatimah Muhammad, who was already lifeless.
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The woman reportedly told police that she had left the baby sleeping at home while she went to a neighbour’s house to have her hair done.
According to the police, she returned home and found the child unresponsive. She allegedly saw her husband, identified as 27-year-old Muhammad Garba Ladan, coming out of the room.
The baby was taken to General Hospital, Azare, where a doctor reportedly confirmed that she had died from strangulation.
Police said the husband was immediately arrested and is undergoing preliminary investigation. The mother also alleged that he had previously made several unsuccessful attempts to kill the child.
In the second incident, police arrested 25-year-old Haruna Amadu over the alleged killing of 60-year-old Hafsatu Ya’u in Wasari Village, Gadau District.
The police said Amadu allegedly entered the woman’s home and attacked her with a knife after accusing her of witchcraft and blaming her for the illness of a woman identified as Maryam Amadu.
According to the Command, 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.
Police said Amadu was arrested following the incident and that investigations into both cases are ongoing.
The suspects are expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the incidents and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
He urged members of the public to reject jungle justice, witchcraft-related killings and violence against women and children.
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