The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 17 suspects over an alleged violent attack on a family accused of involvement in witchcraft following the death of a young man in Gobirawa Village, Alkaleri Local Government Area. The assault reportedly left members of the family seriously injured, while police have launched a search for three additional suspects believed to have participated in the incident.
The attack occurred at approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in Gobirawa Village, Gwana District, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Police spokesperson, Superintendent Nafiu Habib, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, October 19, explaining that the suspects allegedly invaded the residence of a 60-year-old man armed with machetes and sticks.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the attack followed the death of a 20-year-old resident, Halilu Ahmad, on October 16. Some members of the community allegedly accused a son of the affected family of causing Ahmad's death through witchcraft, an allegation for which the police presented no supporting evidence.
Investigators said the accusation subsequently led to a violent confrontation, with the suspects allegedly entering the family's compound and attacking its occupants. The police identified one of those injured as Abubakar, whose other names were withheld, saying he sustained multiple fractures to his left hand and leg, alongside other bodily injuries.
Another member of the family, described as a 30-year-old son, also sustained injuries during the assault. The attackers were further accused of damaging two motorcycles belonging to the household, adding allegations of property destruction to the investigation.
The severity of the injuries prompted medical intervention. According to the command, one of the victims was initially taken to General Hospital, Alkaleri, before being referred to Ihsan Hospital in Bauchi after his condition deteriorated. Police said the seriousness of the injuries formed part of the basis for investigating the incident as attempted culpable homicide.
Following the attack, detectives attached to the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters commenced an investigation and arrested 17 male suspects at approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 18.
Those arrested were identified as Dayyabu Umar, 18; Malam Sule Muhammadu, 50; Usman Dabo, 20; Umar Suleiman, 22; Aminu Ahmad, 18; Bello Umar, 20; Sani Ibrahim, 18; Abubakar Ayuba, 25; Auwal Abdullahi, 22; Ayuba Ahmad, 30; Halilu Ahmad, 22; Umar Rabi'u, 18; Dauda Rabi'u, 20; Ashiru Alhaji Abdulkarim, 20; Abubakar Lamiru, 25; Adamu Ibrahim, 22; and Bashiru Rabi'u, 20.
Police also identified three other individuals allegedly connected to the attack as Maharazu Isah, Babangida Kadamaje and Yakubu Umaru. The three remained at large when the statement was issued, and investigators were continuing efforts to locate them.
The command said the investigation covered allegations of criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, unlawful entry into a residence, intimidation, attempted culpable homicide and mischief. These allegations remain subject to investigation and possible prosecution, and none of the arrested suspects has been reported convicted in connection with the incident.
Following the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation. The directive was intended to ensure that investigators examined the circumstances of the attack, pursued the fleeing suspects and prepared appropriate legal action against anyone found responsible.
Aliyu condemned the use of violence against individuals accused of witchcraft, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands on the basis of unverified beliefs. He stressed that the police would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting public peace and urged members of the public to report grievances and suspected offences to law enforcement authorities.
The commissioner also assured the injured family and the wider community that the command would pursue the investigation and seek accountability through the legal process. His remarks emphasised the responsibility of security agencies to protect residents from violence regardless of the accusations made against them.
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers associated with accusations of witchcraft when such claims are used to justify intimidation, physical assault or destruction of property. In this case, the alleged accusation followed the death of a young resident, but the police have not established that any supernatural act caused his death.
As investigations continue, the authorities have yet to announce the arrest of the three fleeing suspects or provide a final medical update on the injured family members. The case remains under investigation, with the police expected to determine the individual roles of those arrested and whether sufficient evidence exists to support criminal charges.
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