The family of 70-year-old Talatu Joshua, who was killed in Gobir Community, Kirfi Local Government of Bauchi state wants the state to ensure justice is served, following the arrest of four suspects linked to the incident
The suspects, according to police investigation took the life of the grandmother after accusing her of involvement in witchcraft
But the family says the claims are unfounded and that the suspects should get justice over what they describe as a cold-blooded murder
On Sunday, 2nd March 2025, late Talatu Joshua, known locally as Mama Talatu from Gobir Community in Kirfi Local Government of Bauchi state was returning home after service at St. Benedict Catholic Church Kurba, when she was ambushed by four young men and brutally killed
The Bauchi State Police Command subsequently began investigation leading to the arrests of four suspects linked to the crime.
According to preliminary findings by the police, the suspects admitted to the crime saying a traditional healer whom they consulted told them that Mama Talatu was responsible for the illness of one of the suspects’ wife.
This is according a statement signed by police spokesperson Ahmed Wakili
The family of Mama Talatu, still in shock over her killing, wants the state to do justice on the matter.
Cases of extrajudicial killings have been on the increase in Bauchi State.
Recently, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, while reviewing the cases of awaiting trial inmates at Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre, raised the alarm over the increasing number of cases involving witchcraft, describing it as a persistent challenge in legal jurisprudence.
For Mama Talatu’s family, the four suspects should receive the full punishment under the law to serve as a deterrent
The suspects are, however yet to be charged to court.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)