Three suspects have been arrested by the Bauchi State Police Command over the fatal attack on a 51-year-old man, Monday Chiroma, in Dandango, following accusations of witchcraft, while another suspect was apprehended in connection with the stabbing death of a 25-year-old man in Unguwan Kur, Bauchi. The arrests were confirmed by the command’s spokesman, SP Nafiu Habib, in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. The incidents, which occurred in separate locations within Bauchi State, have drawn widespread attention due to the use of violence in response to alleged supernatural accusations and personal disputes.
The attack on Monday Chiroma and another resident, Yelwa Bango, took place on July 20 at approximately 11:30 pm. The two men were allegedly targeted by a group of individuals who accused them of bewitching a 20-year-old woman named Jamila Anthony. After the assault, both victims were rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi for emergency treatment. While Yelwa Bango survived and received medical care, Monday Chiroma was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital in Gudun Hausawa, Bauchi.
The police identified the three suspects arrested in connection with the witchcraft-related attack as Danjuma Anthony, 25; Ayuba Anthony, 22, also known as Babaru; and Christopher Adamu, 34. According to the statement, all three confessed to their involvement during police interrogation. Authorities are currently pursuing other suspects believed to be involved but remain at large. The case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
In a separate incident, Al-Amin Hamisu Gidado, 21, was arrested for the stabbing of Zahradeen Dan’Azumi Tanko, 25, in Unguwan Kur on July 25. Police allege that Gidado, along with an accomplice identified as Yahaya Mu’azu, who is still on the run, attacked the victim in the back. Tanko was taken to the same university teaching hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. The police have also transferred this case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned both incidents, urging residents to refrain from resorting to violence or jungle justice. He emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station to prevent further loss of life. These cases highlight ongoing concerns about vigilante justice and superstition-driven violence in parts of Northern Nigeria, and authorities are working to ensure accountability and public safety. The arrests mark a step toward justice, but the broader challenge of addressing root causes remains.
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