Bauchi woman burns girl over witchcraft allegation

A Bauchi woman has been arrested for burning her 7-year-old relative’s private part over witchcraft allegations, sparking outrage and calls for justice

Tragedy struck in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, after a woman, identified as Suwaira Ibrahim, allegedly burnt the private part of her husband’s younger sister following accusations of witchcraft.

Also read: Widow initially banished over alleged witchcraft gets new apartment

The seven-year-old victim (name withheld) is currently battling for her life at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi after sustaining severe burns.

Human rights groups note that violence against children over witchcraft allegations remains a recurring problem in parts of Nigeria, especially rural areas where harmful traditional beliefs still hold sway.

Despite the Child Rights Act criminalising such practices, enforcement remains weak in many states.

According to local activist Kabiru Abdulkadir, the incident began when Suwaira’s child claimed to have seen the victim among a group of witches.

The girl was taken to a man for confirmation, who declared she was not a witch. But Suwaira allegedly rejected the verdict and took matters into her own hands.

“They returned home and placed a knife or spoon on fire, which they used to burn the child’s private part, believing that if she was truly a witch, she would not feel pain,” Abdulkadir said.

Her loud cries reportedly attracted neighbours, who insisted the matter be reported to the police.

A disturbing video obtained by journalists shows the girl’s thighs and private parts badly burnt, leaving her unable to pass urine or stool properly.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Bauchi, Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the case, saying it was first reported at the Toro Divisional Headquarters before being escalated to the State Command.

“We are aware of it. Initially, some people wanted to cover up the case and handle it at the community level, but we insisted it should be reported.

The case has been referred to the State Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution,” Wakil said.

Nigeria has seen repeated cases of children accused of sorcery and subjected to torture.

In 2019, a 10-year-old girl, Chidera, was rescued in Satellite Town, Lagos, after her guardian allegedly burned her back with a hot object over similar accusations.

Also read: Popular Lagos restaurant owner attacked by in-laws over alleged witchcraft

Advocacy groups continue to urge authorities to step up enforcement of child protection laws, stressing that superstition-fuelled abuse has no place in modern society.