Bauchi Community in Shock as Islamic Scholar Is Killed and Newborn, Mother Kidnapped

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen

Residents of Zalau village in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State have been thrown into deep fear and mourning after a late-night attack on Saturday claimed the life of a respected Islamic scholar and led to the abduction of his wife and their two-week-old baby.

The victim, Alhaji Muhammad Bakoshi, who served as the Discipline Officer of JIBWIS in the area, was reportedly killed when suspected kidnappers stormed his home under the cover of darkness. The attackers, whose number remains unknown, went on to seize his wife—who recently delivered a baby—and took away the newborn as well.

The community now grapples with not only the loss of a religious leader but also the agony of having a young mother and her infant held captive. Residents say the incident highlights a deeper problem: the continued vulnerability of rural communities in the face of rising insecurity, especially kidnapping-for-ransom operations that have plagued many parts of northern Nigeria.

As authorities begin investigations, families and neighbours are calling for urgent action to rescue the victims and address the worsening security situation that has left ordinary citizens constantly on edge.

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