A 55-year-old man, Adamu Mohammed, is missing after he was reportedly abducted and beaten by residents of a neighbouring village who accused him of witchcraft in Bauchi State.
The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspects connected to the incident, which occurred on September 19 in Ningi Local Government Area.
According to police and local sources, Mohammed, a resident of Zahi Village, was taken from his home by a group of men from nearby Dangarfa Village. The men claimed that he was responsible for the illness of a woman, Hajiya Zuwaira Bature, from their community.
The suspects allegedly undressed Mohammed, beat him severely, and threatened to kill him unless he “proved” his innocence. They then forced him to walk over the sick woman three times, believing this act would either cure her or expose him as a sorcerer.
After the incident, the group reportedly took Mohammed to a local chemist for treatment due to the injuries he sustained during the attack. However, his whereabouts remain unknown.
One of the arrested suspects, Abdulwahabu Abdulrahman, is said to have taken Mohammed to his house after the incident. He later claimed that the victim escaped to an unknown destination.
The Bauchi State Police Command stated that investigations are ongoing to locate Mohammed and arrest others involved in the incident. The spokesperson assured the public that the case is being treated with urgency and seriousness.
This incident highlights the continued belief in witchcraft in some rural communities across Nigeria, where individuals—often the elderly or vulnerable—are sometimes blamed for unexplained misfortunes or illnesses. Such accusations can lead to public shaming, violence, or even death.
As of the time of filing this report, the condition and location of Adamu Mohammed remain unknown.
The police are calling on anyone with useful information to come forward.
