A seven-year-old girl is battling for her life at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, after suffering severe burns to her private parts, allegedly inflicted by her brother’s wife, Suwaira (also called Zuwaira) Ibrahim, in Magama-Gumau, Toro Local Government Area.
Residents said the assailant accused the child of witchcraft after her own daughter claimed to have dreamt of the victim among witches.
Despite a native doctor dismissing the claim, the woman reportedly heated a knife and burnt the girl’s private parts, insisting the act would prove if the child was truly a witch.
Neighbours rushed in after hearing the victim’s cries and alerted the police.
Police spokesperson, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, confirmed that Suwaira and her two sons—who allegedly restrained the victim during the assault—have been arrested alongside a herbalist, Fatima Abdullahi, who allegedly supplied “witch-protection” concoctions. Investigations revealed that the suspect bargained N40,000 for the medicines after being told the child was a witch.
The victim, identified only as Habiba, sustained serious burns that became infected, leaving her unable to pass urine or stool properly. She remains in critical condition at ATBUTH.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department and promised that justice will be served.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, police arrested 27-year-old Ibrahim Hassan Mamman, operator of an unlicensed pharmacy in Bauchi metropolis, for allegedly administering a malaria injection that caused severe complications for a 15-year-old girl, Maryam Magaji.
Investigators discovered expired drugs in his store and confirmed he was not qualified to practise as a medical professional.
The police urged parents to seek medical care from licensed health professionals and avoid patronising unqualified individuals.
Both cases are under investigation and the suspects will be charged to court.
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