A woman, identified as Suwaira Ibrahim, allegedly burnt the private part of her sister in-law following accusations of witchcraft in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
It was gathered that the victim, a seven-year-old (name withheld), was left in severe pain after she was brutalised by Suwaira.
Kabiru Abdulkadir, an activist in the community, narrating the ordeal, told journalists that the incident started when Suwaira’s child claimed to have seen the victim among a group of witches.
According to him, the girl was taken to a man to confirm the allegation.
“The man told them that she is not a witch, but Suwaira disagreed with the confirmation. They returned home and placed a knife or spoon on fire, which they used to burn the child’s private part, believing that if she was truly a witch, she would not feel pain.
“It was her loud cries that attracted neighbours. When we got there, we insisted that the case be reported to the police,” Abdulkadir said.
Abdulkadir added that the child’s private parts and thighs were severely burnt,the injuries left her unable to pass urine or stool properly.
The victim was later rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where she is currently receiving treatment.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Command, Ahmed Wakil, confirming the incident, said the case was reported at the Toro Divisional Headquarters before being referred to the State Command for proper investigation.
“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. We will issue a detailed statement once we receive full reports,” Wakil said.
