A seven-year-old girl has sustained burn injuries to her genital area, following an assault with a heated knife allegedly by her sister-in-law at Magama Gumau, in the Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The minor was accused of witchcraft and was alleged to have been seen among a group of supposed witches.

A resident of the area, Kabiru Abdulkadir, who narrated the incident, said, “The suspect’s child told her that she saw the victim, among a group of witches, and was taken to a man to confirm whether she really belongs to a witchcraft group.”

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He added that “the man confirmed that the minor was not a witch, but the suspect disagreed”.

Abdulkadir went on to recount that, upon returning home, she placed a knife or spoon over a flame until it became hot and she used it to burn the minor’s private part under the belief that a true witch would be immune to the pain.

The victim’s loud cries alerted the neighbours, who reported the case to the police.

The minor was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Eyewitnesses who saw the degree of the wounds explained that the seven-year-old girl suffered serious burns that led to difficulties in passing stool.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State Command, CSP Ahmad Wakili, confirmed the incident.

“We are aware of the incident. Initially, some individuals attempted to handle the matter at the community level and cover it up, but we insisted that it be brought to the Command from the Toro Divisional Police Headquarters, where it was initially reported.

“A full statement will be issued once the case officially reaches us,” said Wakili.