A seven-year-old girl in Bauchi State is fighting for survival after being allegedly burned by her brother’s wife, Suwaira Ibrahim, who accused her of witchcraft.
The incident occurred in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area, and has sparked outrage in the community.
According to community activist Kabiru Mohammed Abdulkadir, the girl’s aunt claimed that her child saw the victim among a group of witches. Subsequently, the girl was taken to a spiritualist who confirmed she was not a witch. However, dissatisfied with the outcome, Suwaira Ibrahim allegedly heated a knife and pressed it against the child’s private parts, believing that if she were truly a witch, she would not feel pain. The child’s screams alerted neighbors, who intervened and reported the case to the police.
The victim sustained severe burns to her private parts and thighs, causing difficulty in urination and defecation. She was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi, where she is currently receiving treatment.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the case was reported at the Toro Divisional Headquarters before being referred to the State Command for proper investigation.