The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with two separate culpable homicide cases recorded in Bauchi metropolis and Dandango community, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects still at large.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Habib, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command said the arrests followed separate investigations into the killings, which have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
The first incident occurred on July 25, in Unguwan Kur, Bauchi metropolis.
According to the police, a report received at the Dutsen Tanshi Division indicated that a 25-year-old man was allegedly stabbed during an attack by two individuals.
The victim sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
Police said one suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and remains in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect who fled the scene.
“The principal suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and prosecution, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect,” the statement read.
In a separate incident, the Command said three suspects were arrested over the killing of a 51-year-old man in Dandango community.
According to the police, the incident stemmed from allegations that the victims were responsible for the purported witchcraft-related death of a 20-year-old woman, who later died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Gudun Hausawa, Bauchi.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a group of individuals allegedly attacked two men on the night of July 20.
The victims were taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where one of them was confirmed dead, while the other was admitted for treatment.
Following a swift operation by officers attached to the E-Division, three suspects were arrested.
The police said the suspects confessed to their involvement during interrogation, while efforts are continuing, in collaboration with local security operatives and members of the community, to arrest other suspects who remain at large.
The case has also been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
Reacting to the incidents, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the killings and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
He urged members of the public to shun violence and jungle justice, stressing that all grievances should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The Commissioner also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims and maintaining law and order across Bauchi State.