Outrage has trailed a disturbing case of child abuse in Bauchi State after a woman, identified as Suwaira Ibrahim, allegedly burnt the private part of her husband’s seven-year-old sister over witchcraft accusations.
The incident occurred in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area, leaving the young victim in excruciating pain and sparking renewed debate over the persistent torture of children in rural communities under the guise of witchcraft claims.
An activist in the community, Kabiru Abdulkadir, who spoke to journalists, narrated how the abuse began.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about the rising number of minors tortured, abandoned, or killed over unfounded claims of sorcery.
In several parts of Nigeria, children accused of witchcraft are subjected to cruel and degrading treatment, ranging from burning and starvation to severe beatings, often with the knowledge or active involvement of relatives and community leaders.
Although the Child Rights Act expressly outlaws such practices and guarantees protection against abuse, enforcement remains weak across many states.
According to findings on Thursday, the latest victim, a seven-year-old girl (name withheld), was left in agonising pain after she was attacked by Suwaira.
Giving an account of the incident, community activist Kabiru Abdulkadir explained that the assault began after Suwaira’s child claimed to have seen the girl among a group of “witches.”
According to him, the girl was taken to a man to confirm the allegation.
“The man told them that she is not a witch, but Suwaira disagreed with the confirmation. They returned home and placed a knife or spoon on fire, which they used to burn the child’s private part, believing that if she was truly a witch, she would not feel pain.
“It was her loud cries that attracted neighbours. When we got there, we insisted that the case be reported to the police,” Abdulkadir said.
In a video clip, the child’s private parts and thighs were severely burnt.
Abdulkadir added that the injuries left her unable to pass urine or stool properly, while the stench from the wound had made life unbearable for the household.
The victim was later rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where she is currently receiving treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Command, Ahmed Wakil, said the case was reported at the Toro Divisional Headquarters before being referred to the State Command for proper investigation.
“We are aware of it. Initially, some people wanted to cover up the case and handle it at the community level, but we insisted it should be reported. The case has been referred to the State Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution. We will issue a detailed statement once we receive full reports,” Wakil said.
In 2019, a 10-year-old girl resident in Sandfield Estate, Satellite Town, Lagos, was rescued from her guardian, identified simply as Mrs Anaeme, who tortured her for allegedly being a witch.
The woman had reportedly subjected the little girl, Chidera, to serial assaults with marks of violence visible all over her body.
It was gathered that the torture took the worst dimension when Anaeme reportedly used a hot object to inflict injuries on the girl’s back.
