Teen, Five Others Arrested for Allegedly Mutilating Seven-Year-Old Girl in Bauchi Ritual Attack

Police in Bauchi State have arrested a 17-year-old boy, Auwal Dahiru, alongside five accomplices, for allegedly gouging out the eyes of his seven-year-old sister, Rukayya Muhammad, in what investigators suspect was a ritual bid for wealth in Bayan Dutse village, Ganjuwa Local Government Area.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday.

He said the incident was reported on October 17, 2025, by Muhammad Adamu, a resident of the community, at the Soro Divisional Police Headquarters.

According to Wakil, initial findings revealed that the suspect lured his sister, Rukayya, into a nearby bush where he attacked her and forcefully removed both eyes in a desperate attempt to perform a money ritual.

“The victim’s father stated that Auwal deceived his sister into following him before brutally plucking out her eyes,” the statement read.

The Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aliyu Goni, immediately led a team of detectives to the scene, where Dahiru was apprehended.

The victim was taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, for treatment.

Wakil said an eye specialist at the hospital confirmed that the child had permanently lost her sight.

The police spokesperson added that five other suspects — Mohammed Rabiu (19), Saleh Ibrahim (20), Nasiru Muhammad of Soro town, Hassan Garba of Soro town, and Garba Dahiru (43) — were also arrested in connection with the attack.

“All the suspects have confessed to their involvement. The investigation is ongoing to determine their motive and ensure that everyone responsible faces justice,” Wakil said.

The incident comes barely a week after a violent confrontation between police officers and soldiers in Bauchi metropolis, which resulted in the death of a police constable, Ukasha Muhammad, on October 10.

Wakil had earlier explained that the clash occurred in the Bayan Gari area during a routine patrol led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila.