By Beatrice Gondyi, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested six suspects for allegedly plucking out the eyes of a seven-year-old girl, identified as Rukayya Muhammad, in a suspected money ritual in Soro, Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Police spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, who confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday, described the incident as “barbaric and heartbreaking.”
According to the police, the victim’s elder brother, Auwal Dahiru, 17, lured her into a bush in Wailo, Kubi Ward, on October 17, 2025, where he attacked her and forcefully removed both her eyes in a desperate attempt to get rich through ritual means.
Her father, Muhammad Adamu, reported the incident to the Soro Divisional Police Headquarters, prompting the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aliyu Mohammed Goni, to lead a team of detectives to the scene. The suspect was immediately arrested, while the victim was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi for emergency care.
Wakil said that further investigation led to the arrest of five others allegedly connected to the crime. They include: Mohammed Rabiu, 19, Saleh Ibrahim, 20, Nasiru Muhammad of Soro town, Hassan Garba of Soro town, Garba Dahiru, 43
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects conspired to use the girl’s eyes for ritual purposes. Sadly, doctors at ATBUTH confirmed that Rukayya had permanently lost her sight.
“The suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime. The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation,” the statement added.
CP Aliyu, while condemning the act, vowed that justice would be served and warned that the command would not tolerate any form of ritual killings or criminal conspiracy in the state.
“This is a gruesome and inhuman act. We will ensure that everyone connected to this crime faces the full wrath of the law,” the Commissioner said.
The police further urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and work with law enforcement to ensure the safety of their communities.
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