A very sad and shocking incident happened in Bauchi State, Nigeria. A woman named Suwaira Ibrahim has been accused of burning the private part of her husband’s little sister, who is just seven years old. The reason she gave for this cruel act was that she believed the young girl was a witch.
The incident took place in Magama Gumau, a community in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The attack left the child in terrible pain and struggling to survive.
According to reports, Suwaira’s own child claimed that he saw the little girl among a group of witches in a dream or vision. Instead of dismissing this, the family took the young girl to a man who is known in the community for identifying witches. After checking, the man told them clearly that the girl was not a witch.
However, Suwaira refused to believe the man’s words. She decided to take matters into her own hands.
When they returned home, Suwaira and others put a metal object, either a knife or a spoon, into fire until it became very hot. They then used this red-hot object to burn the private part of the little girl. Their belief was that if the child was truly a witch, she would not feel pain.
Sadly, the girl screamed in agony, and her loud cries drew the attention of neighbors. When people rushed over, they were shocked to see what had been done to the child. Community activist Kabiru Abdulkadir explained that many residents insisted the matter should not be hidden, but instead reported to the police.
The attack caused serious burns on the child’s private parts and thighs. Because of her injuries, she could no longer pass urine or stool properly. The wounds also started to smell badly, making life unbearable for the family she was living with.
She was later rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi, where doctors are now treating her.
The spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, confirmed that the case has been reported. He said that at first, some people wanted to cover up the incident and settle it quietly in the community. But the police refused and insisted that the matter must be taken up officially.
He added that the case has now been referred to the State Headquarters for proper investigation and that once full reports are ready, a detailed statement will be released.
This case is a very painful reminder of how harmful superstitions and false beliefs in witchcraft can lead to child abuse and suffering. It also shows why communities must speak out and why the law must protect innocent children from such cruel treatment.
