A horrifying case of ritual violence has left residents in shock after a teenage boy allegedly gouged out the eyes of his seven-year-old sister in a failed attempt to perform money rituals.
The disturbing act, which police say was motivated by greed and superstition, has drawn widespread condemnation across Bauchi State.
Investigations revealed that the 17-year-old boy, identified as Auwal Dahiru, lured his unsuspecting sister, Rukayya Muhammad, into a bush under the pretense of running an errand.
Once there, he reportedly attacked her and plucked out both of her eyes, believing the act would make him wealthy overnight.
The incident took place in Soro, Ganjuwa Local Government Area, where the family resides. According to police authorities, the father of the victim, Muhammad Adamu, immediately reported the case after discovering what had happened.
The prompt response by officers from the Soro Police Division, led by CSP Aliyu Mohammad Goni, resulted in the swift arrest of the suspect and others believed to have conspired in the crime.
Confirming the development, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, said the young victim was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for medical attention.
“Sadly, medical experts confirmed that she has permanently lost her eyesight due to the severity of the injuries,” he stated.
The police also named five others arrested in connection with the ritual plot: Mohammed Rabiu (19), Saleh Ibrahim (20), Nasiru Muhammad, Hassan Garba, and Garba Dahiru (43).
All suspects are residents of Soro town and are believed to have encouraged or assisted in planning the act.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects conspired to carry out the attack as part of a ritual scheme.
“They have voluntarily confessed to their involvement, and further investigations are ongoing to identify other accomplices,” Wakil added.
Reacting to the gruesome case, Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, described the incident as “inhuman, barbaric, and deeply heartbreaking.” He vowed that the police would pursue justice to its conclusion.
“No society should tolerate such an evil act carried out in the name of wealth. The command will ensure that everyone involved faces the full wrath of the law,” the CP said.
He further urged parents and guardians to be vigilant over their children and to promptly report any suspicious activities or individuals who promote ritual practices.
The Bauchi Police Command has since transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation, as authorities intensify efforts to combat ritual-related crimes across the state.