The Bauchi State Police Command has taken swift action by apprehending a 30-year-old man named Hamza Umar. The arrest follows a deeply disturbing incident in which Umar allegedly poured kerosene on a young girl named Hafsat Bala and set her on fire. According to SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the spokesperson of the command, the accused claimed that the girl, who entered his compound, asserted that she had been sent by her elder sister to kill him.
Additionally, the suspect stated that the girl claimed to have buried charms at the corner of his house and refused to remove them despite his requests. Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives attached to the command acted promptly and arrested Hamza Umar on June 18, 2023, for causing grievous harm and attempting the offense of culpable homicide.
According to the account provided by the accused, Hafsat Bala allegedly invaded his residence in the Rafin Albasa area of Bauchi and roamed around the premises. When questioned about her presence, she revealed that her elder sister had sent her to carry out his murder. Hamza Umar attempted to send her away from his compound, but the victim resisted, claiming she had buried charms at the corner of the house. Despite his insistence, the girl refused to remove the items. Reportedly enraged, the suspect poured kerosene on her and set her ablaze, alleging that she was a witch.
Upon receiving the information, a team of detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) swiftly arrived at the scene and evacuated the victim to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi for immediate medical attention. The police have also launched a discreet investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to this tragic situation. The suspect will face charges in court once the investigation is concluded.
The Bauchi State Police Command strongly condemns this barbaric act, emphasizing that no one has the right to treat a fellow human being in such a cruel manner.
They remind the public that assuming the role of law enforcement is unacceptable, and individuals should instead report such matters to the appropriate authorities for proper investigation and handling.
