For allegedly killing four children and using them for ritual purposes, a 28-year-old herbalist has been arrested in Bauchi State between the ages of two and four.
Rufai’i Yunusa, the suspect, was arrested in the Ningi Local Government of Bauchi State by the Police.
Ahmed Wakil, the state Police Public Relations Officer, who also doubles as a Superintendent of the Police, confirmed the story, disclosing it in a statement on Sunday.
He said they arrested, Yinusa after a complaint was filed by one Isyaku Ahmed of Kafin Madaki, stating that the suspect allegedly deceived his daughter, who was suffering from an ailment that required spiritual intervention.
According to the Police spokesman, Yinusa killed the child after the father released her to him for the healing process.
He said, “The Bauchi State Police Command on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, arrested a 28-year-old suspected ritualist, Rufa’i Yunusa, who has been involved in the killing of not less than four little children between the ages of two and four.
“His arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Ganjuwa division of the state command on the same day around 4.30 pm by one Isyaku Ahmed, of Unguwan Yamma, Kafin Madaki.
“He reported that on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at about 12.30 pm, he took his daughter, Maimuna Isyaku, to a native doctor (Rufa’i Yunusa) for traditional treatment. Rufa’i told him that his daughter (Maimuna) was suffering from a spiritual ailment and assured him that his daughter would be cured.
“He then solicited 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 girl’s father that the little girl mysteriously disappeared during the process.
“Upon 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.”
“He further revealed that she was not his only victim and claimed to usually carry out the act with parental consent by tacitly informing them that the children might not return during healing sessions.
“A knife and 26 pairs of children’s clothing were recovered as exhibits during the operation, and investigations are ongoing, after which the suspect will be charged to court for prosecution and possible conviction,” he concluded.
