In a tragic incident reflecting the lingering impact of superstition in some communities, the Bauchi State Police Command arrested a 20-year-old housewife, Rakiya Ya'u, and two accomplices, Abdu Lamba and Ruwa Aliyu, for the murder of her father-in-law, Damina Lamba.
The crime, which has gripped the region, was allegedly motivated by accusations of witchcraft and suspicions surrounding the death of Ya'u's young son.
The arrest and subsequent confessions of the suspects were announced on November 1, 2024, during a press briefing at the Bauchi Police Command headquarters.
Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa Muhammad detailed the police investigation that led to the capture of the suspects and described the brutal nature of the crime.
The lifeless body of Damina Lamba was discovered on October 25 in a bush between Wuro Dangogo and Sarma village, a rural area that has now become the focus of community attention and introspection.
According to CP Muhammad, Rakiya Ya'u reportedly harbored deep resentment against her father-in-law, Damina, whom she accused of practicing witchcraft. Ya’u alleged that Damina's supposed supernatural activities were responsible for the death of her son the previous year.
It was this belief, the police allege, that led her to take the drastic step of hiring others to kill him.
Though accusations of witchcraft remain unproven, they underscore a tragic undercurrent in certain regions where traditional beliefs and suspicions can influence perceptions and actions to deadly effect.
The Commissioner disclosed that the suspects, Abdu Lamba and Ruwa Aliyu, both young men in their early twenties, confessed to being recruited by Rakiya Ya'u for the murder.
Ya'u allegedly convinced the men that her father-in-law was responsible for her grief, resulting in a plan to eliminate him as a form of retribution.
The body of Damina Lamba was found on October 25, lying motionless in the bushland between Wuro Dangogo and Sarma village.
Police noted visible marks of violence on the victim’s head, suggesting a brutal attack.
Officers from the Misau Divisional Police Headquarters were dispatched to the scene, where they transported Damina's body to the General Hospital Misau for a post-mortem examination. Medical personnel at the hospital confirmed Damina’s death, and an investigation was promptly launched.
The police investigation rapidly unfolded, drawing on local intelligence and forensics to identify suspects in connection with the murder.
On October 30, the police arrested three individuals implicated in the crime: Rakiya Ya’u, her alleged accomplice Abdu Lamba, and another co-conspirator, Ruwa Aliyu.
Both Lamba and Aliyu reportedly confessed to their role during the police interrogation, confirming that they had indeed carried out the murder at Ya’u’s behest.
The police recovered two sticks that the suspects admitted were used as weapons in the assault, serving as critical pieces of evidence.
This case underscores the continued influence of traditional beliefs in certain communities where accusations of witchcraft can lead to stigmatization, violence, and, as this case tragically illustrates, death.
The belief in witchcraft has been deeply rooted in some cultures, often fueled by fear, superstition, and lack of access to proper health information or psychological support.
When faced with unexplained misfortunes, such as illness or death in the family, some individuals attribute these events to the supernatural, creating a justification for actions that would otherwise be inconceivable.
The Bauchi State Police Commissioner highlighted the need for public awareness and education on these issues, urging community members to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
He stressed that any suspicions or conflicts should be brought to the authorities rather than resorting to violent retribution.
"We must rise above superstitions that lead to tragic outcomes and focus on peaceful and lawful resolution of disputes," he said, warning that such crimes would face the full force of the law.
With the suspects now in custody, legal proceedings are expected to follow, bringing to light the consequences of this tragic incident.
Rakiya Ya'u and her alleged accomplices face serious charges that could lead to significant prison time or even capital punishment, given the premeditated nature of the crime.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to build a comprehensive case.
The Commissioner assured that justice would be served, not only to address this incident but also to deter similar actions that might arise from deep-seated superstitions in the future.
This incident highlights a pressing need for continuous efforts to combat harmful traditional beliefs through public education and community support programs.
The Bauchi Police Command has been working in collaboration with local leaders to promote peace, conflict resolution, and respect for the law.
However, the persistence of witchcraft-related violence reveals the challenges that remain in addressing these complex issues.
The case of Damina Lamba’s murder serves as a reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from superstitions and unresolved grief.
By fostering an environment of understanding, education, and lawful conduct, communities can gradually move away from violent traditions and toward a more just and empathetic society.
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