A 55-year-old man, Adamu Mohammed, has been declared missing after he was allegedly abducted and beaten by residents of Dangarfa Village in Bauchi State over accusations of witchcraft.
The incident, which occurred on September 19 in Zahi Village, Ningi Local Government Area, was reported to police by the victim’s son, Umaru Adamu. He alleged that armed men stormed their home, dragged his father out, stripped him naked, and assaulted him.
“They accused my father of causing sickness in their village and threatened to kill him if he refused to prove his innocence,” Umaru told investigators.
Police sources said the abductors forced Mohammed to walk over a sick woman, identified as Hajiya Zuwaira Bature, three times in a ritual test to determine if he was responsible for her illness.
He was later taken to a local medicine seller for what was described as spiritual cleansing.
One of the suspects, Abdulwahabu Abdulrahman, reportedly claimed that Mohammed escaped mysteriously from his custody, but police remain doubtful of the account.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the arrest of three suspects while efforts are ongoing to trace the missing man and apprehend others involved.
Police authorities cautioned residents against jungle justice and harmful cultural practices. “Accusing people of witchcraft without proof is not only unlawful but also dangerous.
We are determined to bring everyone connected to this abduction to justice,” a spokesperson said.
The case has sparked outrage among locals, who condemned the attack and called for more awareness to curb superstitious beliefs that lead to violence and rights violations.