Bauchi State woman killed following witchcraft accusations

In Garin Malam Village, located in the Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria, a 30-year-old woman named Habse Ubale was killed following allegations of witchcraft. On July 28, 2026, three men allegedly entered her home at 2 am to attack her, her husband Audu Sabo, and their two children, Yakubu and Salih, using sticks and machetes.

Ubale was hacked repeatedly with a machete during the assault. While her husband and children managed to escape with various injuries, Ubale was killed. The principal suspect has been identified as Garba Daudu, who allegedly conspired with two others, Ya’u Garba and Musa, to carry out the attack.

The Bauchi State Police Command reported that the incident was brought to the attention of the Gamawa Divisional Police Headquarters by a local resident. The attack highlights a pattern of violence in parts of Nigeria where superstitious accusations against vulnerable individuals, such as widows and the elderly, can lead to mob violence, displacement, or extrajudicial killings.