A shocking incident of domestic violence has been reported in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State, where an 18-year-old housewife allegedly cut off her husband’s manhood during a violent altercation.
The Yobe State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday through its Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, who briefed journalists in Damaturu. According to the police, the incident occurred in the early hours of February 6, 2026, but was reported several hours later.
SP Abdulkarim said the attack took place at about 1am, but the matter was not reported to the Potiskum Divisional Police Station until around 3pm the same day. By the time police received the report, the suspect had already fled the scene.
According to the police spokesperson, the young woman allegedly used a sharp knife to attack her husband during a domestic dispute. After the act, she reportedly ran away and her current whereabouts remain unknown.
“Following the report, police operatives promptly visited the scene and rushed the victim to the State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, for urgent medical attention,” SP Abdulkarim said.
Due to the severity of the injury, the victim was later referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare, in neighbouring Bauchi State, where he is currently receiving treatment. Medical sources said the victim is under close observation, though no further details were provided.
The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to locate and arrest the suspect. SP Abdulkarim noted that some sensitive details surrounding the case are being withheld to protect the victim from further emotional and psychological trauma.
The Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, CP Emmanuel Ado, strongly condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and disturbing. He stressed that violence has no place in marriage or family life.
“Marriage should be built on mutual respect, understanding, patience, and tolerance,” CP Ado said. “No disagreement, no matter how serious, should lead to this level of violence.”
The incident has sparked widespread reactions within Potiskum and beyond, with many residents expressing shock and concern over the growing cases of domestic violence in society. Some community members described the incident as one of the most disturbing they have heard in recent times.
Domestic violence remains a serious issue across many parts of Nigeria, affecting both men and women. While cases involving female victims are more commonly reported, experts note that male victims often suffer in silence due to shame, fear, or social stigma.
In many communities, men who experience abuse are reluctant to report such incidents, making it difficult to fully understand the scale of the problem. Rights groups have repeatedly called for stronger awareness campaigns to encourage all victims of domestic violence to speak out and seek help.
In Yobe State, traditional and religious leaders have often played a role in resolving family disputes. However, authorities have warned that criminal acts must be reported to law enforcement agencies rather than handled privately.
The police have appealed to members of the public to provide any useful information that could help in locating the suspect. Residents were also urged not to take the law into their own hands but to allow the authorities to handle the matter.
SP Abdulkarim reminded couples facing marital challenges to seek peaceful means of resolving conflicts. He advised families to involve elders, counselors, or religious leaders when disputes become difficult to manage.
In recent years, law enforcement agencies across the country have increased efforts to address domestic violence through public education and enforcement of existing laws. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which has been adopted by several states, criminalizes various forms of abuse and provides protection for victims.
However, challenges remain in enforcement, especially in rural areas where awareness of the law is still low. Experts say more needs to be done to educate young couples about conflict management, communication, and the dangers of violence.
