The Bauchi State Police Command has announced that it is handling two recent cases involving alleged incidents of infanticide and culpable homicide recorded in Itas/Gadau and Katagum Local Government Areas. The announcement was made by the Command's PPRO, SP Nafiu Habib, in a statement on Friday. The cases involve a 20-year-old mother who reported her four-month-old daughter, Fatimah Muhammad, dead with signs of strangulation.
According to the police, the 20-year-old mother claimed she left the infant sleeping and went to her neighbor's house for hairdressing. Upon her return, she discovered that the baby was not breathing and found her husband, Muhammad Garba Ladan, 27, suspiciously coming out of the room. The suspect was arrested and is being investigated for alleged infanticide. The corpse was released to her relatives for burial.
In a separate incident, a 25-year-old man, Haruna Amadu, was arrested for allegedly killing a 60-year-old woman, Hafsatu Ya'u, in a witchcraft-related attack. The suspect allegedly slit her neck and stabbed her in the chest and various parts of her body, accusing her of being a witch and causing the illness of one Maryam Amadu. The victim became unconscious and was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
The police received a report of the incident and a team of detectives evacuated the victim to General Hospital, Azare, for immediate medical attention. The corpse was released to her relatives for burial. The suspect fled to an unknown destination but was later arrested by the police. Both cases are under investigation and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The Bauchi State Police Command's Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned jungle justice, witchcraft-related killings, and violence against women and children. He warned the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands. The police command is urging anyone with information about the incidents to come forward.
The incidents have raised concerns about the prevalence of infanticide and witchcraft-related killings in the state. The police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring the suspects to justice. The cases highlight the need for increased awareness and education about the dangers of jungle justice and violence against vulnerable members of society.
The police command is committed to investigating the cases and ensuring that the suspects face justice. The community is urged to cooperate with the police and provide any information that may help in the investigation. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law.
Key points
- The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects for alleged infanticide and witchcraft-related killing in separate incidents.
- The incidents have raised concerns about the prevalence of infanticide and witchcraft-related killings in the state.
- The police are urging anyone with information about the incidents to come forward.
