Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested

Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four men over the alleged killing of a 45-year-old farmer, Garba Abdullahi, who was reportedly attacked after being accused of causing a woman’s illness through witchcraft.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Dunari Village, Atahowa District, when Abdullahi was returning from his farm.

The suspects were identified by the police as Shitu Dahiru, 25; Magaji Dahiru, 42; Sabi’u Auwalu, 20; and Abbah Abdulzahar, 19.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly accused Abdullahi of being responsible for the illness of a woman identified as Sawaida Dahiru before attacking him at about 11:40am.

The suspects allegedly used knives and machetes to inflict multiple injuries on different parts of Abdullahi’s body, leaving him unconscious.

His 35-year-old younger brother later reported the incident at the Gadau Divisional Police Headquarters at about 12:35pm.

Police operatives who responded to the report evacuated Abdullahi to the General Hospital, Azare, where he was subsequently confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

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His remains were released to his family for burial, while the four suspects were taken into police custody.

The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killing and warned residents against resorting to jungle justice or violence based on unverified and superstitious allegations.

The police commissioner stressed that no person had the right to take another person’s life and urged residents to report disputes, suspicions and suspected criminal activities to security agencies rather than take the law into their own hands.

He also appealed to members of the public to provide timely and credible information that could help security agencies prevent crime and protect lives and property.

The incident has renewed concerns over violence arising from witchcraft allegations in parts of Bauchi State. Another woman, Habse Ubale, was reportedly hacked to death in the state in an earlier incident after she was accused of being a witch.

Police had arrested one suspect in that case and launched a search for two others.

The latest killing highlights the dangers of acting on unverified claims of witchcraft and other forms of superstition. Security authorities have repeatedly urged communities to seek lawful intervention when disputes arise rather than resort to violence.

The four suspects remain accused persons, and their alleged involvement in Abdullahi’s death will be determined through the investigation and judicial process.

Bauchi Farmer Hacked to Death Over Witchcraft Allegation, Four Arrested