Tragedy struck in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, after a woman, identified as Suwaira Ibrahim, allegedly burnt the private part of her husband’s younger sister following accusations of witchcraft.
The victim, a seven-year-old girl whose name is being withheld, was left in excruciating pain after the assault. Witnesses said the child was brutalised after Suwaira’s own child accused her of being a witch.
According to an activist in the community, Kabiru Abdulkadir, the victim was first taken to a man to verify the allegation, but the man dismissed the claim. However, Suwaira reportedly rejected the man’s verdict and resorted to a violent “test.”
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“They placed a knife or spoon on fire and pressed it on the child’s private part, believing that if she was a witch, she would not feel pain,” Abdulkadir narrated. “Her cries attracted neighbours, and we insisted the case be reported to the police.”
A video clip obtained by journalists showed the child with severe burns on her private parts and thighs. Abdulkadir added that the injuries left her unable to pass urine or stool properly, with the stench from the wound making life unbearable for those around her.
The victim was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where she is currently receiving treatment.
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Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Command, Ahmed Wakil, said the case was initially reported at the Toro Divisional Headquarters before being transferred to the State Command.
“We are aware of it. Initially, some people wanted to cover up the case and handle it at the community level, but we insisted it should be reported. The case has been referred to the State Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution,” Wakil said.
Punch