50-year-old woman k!lled over alleged witchcraft in Borno

Authorities in Borno State have detained two individuals in connection with the killing of a 50-year-old woman accused of practicing witchcraft.

Borno State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Yusuf Lawan, confirmed the incident during a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday. According to Lawan, the victim, identified as Hajara Saleh, was killed on February 21 in Bantine, a community in Biu Local Government Area.

The suspects, named Ja’o Muhammad, Idrisa Muhammad, and Ya’u Muhammad — all between the ages of 20 and 30 — allegedly conspired to take Saleh’s life, accusing her of bringing misfortune to the community through witchcraft.

“The woman sustained injuries on her neck, legs, and hands, resulting to her death,” Lawan stated.

The police were alerted by a resident of Dadinkowa Gunda ward, who reported the incident around 11:00 a.m. Officers arrived to find that Saleh had already been buried in accordance with Islamic rites by her husband, Saleh Bole, and other relatives.

“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 documented evidence and photographed the victim’s body as part of their inquiry. Two suspects were apprehended, while a third remains at large. Lawan assured that a manhunt was underway to capture the fleeing suspect.

Describing the incident as both “barbaric and unjustified,” Lawan emphasized that accusations of witchcraft do not justify violence or vigilante actions.

“The police are fully committed to bringing all those responsible for this heinous crime to justice. The public must understand that the law does not permit people to take matters into their own hands,” he said.

The suspects face charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and related offenses. They will be prosecuted following the conclusion of the investigation.

Lawan urged residents to report suspicions or grievances to law enforcement instead of resorting to jungle justice, reinforcing the need for communities to trust the legal system to handle disputes and allegations.