The Biu Police Area Command in Borno State has apprehended two individuals in connection with the murder of a 50-year-old woman accused of witchcraft.
Confirming the incident on Saturday, the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, Yusuf Lawan, stated that the victim, identified as Hajara Saleh, was killed on February 21 in Bantine, a community in Biu Local Government Area.
The suspects, Ja’o Muhammad, Idrisa Muhammad, and Ya’u Muhammad, aged between 20 and 30, allegedly conspired to take the victim’s life, blaming her for misfortunes in their community.
Lawan disclosed that the victim sustained severe injuries on her neck, legs, and hands, which ultimately led to her death. The police were alerted by a resident of Dadinkowa Gunda ward, who reported the crime at around 11:00 a.m.
“Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered that the victim had already been buried according to Islamic rites by her husband, Saleh Bole, and other family members,” Lawan said.
Despite the burial, police investigators managed to photograph the body and gather key evidence. Two suspects were immediately taken into custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the third suspect, who remains at large.
Describing the act as barbaric, the commissioner warned against resorting to violence based on witchcraft accusations. He assured that the suspects would face prosecution for criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and other related charges once investigations are concluded.
Lawan also urged residents to report any suspicions or grievances to law enforcement authorities rather than engaging in jungle justice.