The Police has arrested two suspects in connection with the killing of a 50-year-old woman, Hajara Saleh, who was accused of witchcraft in Bantine community, Borno State.
Commissioner of Police, Borno Command, Yusuf Lawan, confirmed that the incident occurred on February 21, with the suspects—Ja’o Muhammad, Idrisa Muhammad, and Ya’u Muhammad—allegedly conspiring to kill the woman over claims that she brought misfortune to the community.
Saleh suffered severe injuries to her neck, legs, and hands, leading to her death. A resident of Dadinkowa Gunda ward alerted the police at about 11:00 a.m., prompting officers to visit the scene.
By the time they arrived, the victim had already been buried by her husband, Saleh Bole, and other family members in line with Islamic rites.
Despite the burial, police investigators managed to photograph the remains and gather crucial evidence. Two suspects were arrested immediately, while one remains on the run. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend him.
Describing the attack as barbaric and unjustified, Lawan warned against using witchcraft allegations as an excuse for extrajudicial killings. He assured that the suspects would face charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and other related offenses once investigations are concluded.
Community members were urged to report suspicions of witchcraft or other grievances to the police instead of resorting to jungle justice.
NAN
