Woman Burns 7-Year-Old Girl Over Witchcraft Allegation
A woman in Bauchi State has been accused of brutally burning the private part of her seven-year-old sister-in-law after alleging the child was involved in witchcraft.
The incident occurred in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area of the State, when the suspect, identified as Suwaira Ibrahim, reportedly subjected her husband’s younger sister to a so-called “witchcraft test.”
According to witnesses, Suwaira’s child had earlier claimed to have seen the victim “among a group of witches.”
Though the girl was taken to a spiritualist who dismissed the allegation, Suwaira insisted her sister-in-law was guilty and resorted to violence.
It was gathered that Suwaira heated a metallic object over fire and used it to burn the child’s private part and thighs, believing that if she were truly a witch, she would not feel pain.
Neighbours intervened during the assault, but not before the girl sustained severe injuries.
Reports indicate that the victim now suffers difficulty urinating and passing stool due to the burns, and her wounds are said to emit a foul odour.
She has since been admitted to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi for urgent medical care.
Community members, disturbed by the attack, reported the matter to the police at Toro Divisional Headquarters.
The case has since been transferred to the Bauchi State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
Speaking on the incident, a resident of Magama Gumau, Musa Ibrahim, described the act as shocking and inhumane. “We could not believe what we saw.
How can anyone do this to a child, let alone her own husband’s sister? This is evil, and we want justice for the girl,” he said.
Child rights advocates have also condemned the attack, urging the authorities to ensure justice is served. Hauwa Mohammed, a women and children’s rights activist based in Bauchi, said:
“This is another sad reminder of how harmful cultural beliefs continue to endanger children”.
“No child should suffer such cruelty under the guise of superstition. We are calling on the police and government to prosecute this case fully and protect the victim.”
Similarly, the Bauchi State Chapter of the Child Protection Network (CPN) called for stronger community awareness campaigns to end violence linked to witchcraft accusations.
“Every time children are branded witches, they become targets of abuse, neglect, or even death. The Child Rights Act is clear on this: children must be protected. We will follow this case closely,” the group said in a statement.
As of the time of filing this report, police authorities are yet to issue a formal statement on Suwaira’s arrest or charges, but sources say the matter is being treated with urgency.
