A seven-year-old girl is receiving treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi after her sister-in-law, Suwaira Ibrahim, allegedly burnt her private part over claims of witchcraft.
The incident happened in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The assault reportedly began when Suwaira’s child accused the girl of being part of a group of witches. Despite being told by a man consulted on the matter that the girl was not a witch, Suwaira refused to accept the verdict. She allegedly placed a metal object in fire and pressed it on the child’s private part, believing the child would not feel pain if the accusation was true.
Neighbours rushed to the scene after hearing the girl’s cries and insisted that the case be taken to the police. The victim was left with severe injuries that affected her ability to pass urine and stool. The wounds were also said to have caused a foul smell in the house before she was taken to the hospital for medical attention.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the case. It was first reported at the Toro Divisional Headquarters before being moved to the state level for investigation and prosecution. The police added that some people in the community initially attempted to settle the matter privately, but it was later taken up by the authorities.
Cases of children being tortured or killed over witchcraft claims remain common in some rural parts of Nigeria despite the Child Rights Act, which criminalises such acts and provides protection against abuse. In 2019, a similar case was reported in Lagos, where a 10-year-old girl named Chidera was rescued after her guardian, identified as Mrs. Anaeme, allegedly burnt her with a hot object and inflicted repeated assaults on her body following accusations of witchcraft.
The Bauchi girl remains under medical care while police continue their investigation to ensure the case is properly handled in court.