BAUCHI — A 30-year-old housewife, Habse Ubale, has been hacked to death by machete-wielding hoodlums in Garin Malam village, Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, following allegations of witchcraft.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Habib, the case involving criminal conspiracy, house trespass, assault, and culpable homicide was reported to the Gamawa Police Division on July 28, 2026, at approximately 02:28 hours.
Preliminary investigations reveal that a 35-year-old resident, Garba Daudu, allegedly conspired with two others—identified as Ya’u Garba and an accomplice known only as Musa—to attack the household of 48-year-old Audu Sabo.
The assailants targeted the family based on the unsubstantiated claim that Sabo’s wife, Habse Ubale, was a witch.
During the midnight raid, the suspects used sticks and a machete to assault Ubale, as well as two children in the home: 12-year-old Sale Audu and 14-year-old Yakubu Audu. All three victims sustained severe injuries.
”Upon receipt of the report, a team of police operatives, hunters, and vigilantes immediately mobilized to the scene,” SP Habib stated. “The victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Gamawa for medical attention.
”Sadly, Habse Ubale was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. Photographs were taken, and the corpse was subsequently released to her relatives for burial.”
Following the attack, police operatives swiftly apprehended one suspect, but two other assailants remain at large, and concerted efforts are underway to track them down.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for discreet investigation and subsequent prosecution.
Hospital authorities confirmed that one of the surviving victims remains admitted for ongoing medical care, while the other has been treated and discharged.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the attack in its entirety, warning citizens against jungle justice and violence fueled by superstition.
He reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice and bringing all perpetrators to book.
The Commissioner also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, while encouraging anyone with useful information to assist the police in apprehending the fleeing suspects.
