The Bauchi State Police Command has on Wednesday 17th February, 2021 arrested a 28yrs old suspected ritualist Rufa’I Yunusa of Rumbu Village, Ningi Local Government who has been involved in the killing of not less than four little children between the ages of 2 – 4yrs.
In a press statement signed by Public Relations Officer of the Command SP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil indicates that his arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Ganjuwa Division of the State Command on the same day at about 1630hrs by one Isyaku Ahmed of Unguwan Yamma, Kafin Madaki who reported that on Tuesday 16th February, 2021, at about 1230hrs, he took his daughter, one Maimuna Isyaku to a Native Doctor (Rufa’i Yunusa) for traditional treatment where the said Rufa’i told him that his daughter (Maimuna) is suffering from a spiritual ailment and assured him that his daughter will be cured.
He then solicited for, and got the sum of N10,000 from the father, after which he took the little girl into the forest purportedly for a spiritual healing session only to return after a while to inform the girls father that the little girl had mysteriously disappeared during the process.
Wakil further stated in a statement that “On receipt of the report, the Ganjuwa Divisional Patrol team swung into action, combed the entire forest and found the slaughtered body of the said Maimuna”.
The Vuctim was immediately rushed to a hospital where she was pronounced dead by a Medical Doctor.
The ritualist (Rufa’i Yunusa) has since been arrested in connection to the crime and during interrogation voluntarily confessed to have slaughtered the said Maimuna.
He further revealed that she was not his only victim and claims to usually carry out the act with parental consent by tacitly informing them that the children may not return during healing sessions.
A knife and 26pairs of children clothing were being recovered as exhibits during the operation and investigationa are on-going after which the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution/possible conviction.
On the backdrop of this development, the command cautioned parents to be wary of whom they usually take their children to for any form of healing and should not allow desperation but objectivity be their guide in seeking remedy for their sick children, there abound many wolves in sheep’s clothing.
