Katsina Police Command Apprehends Suspect in Disturbing Attempted Ritual Killing Case
The Katsina State Police Command has made a significant arrest in a deeply troubling case involving the attempted ritual killing of a young child. Authorities have taken into custody a 20-year-old man, Aliyu Ashabu, who is accused of trying to murder a 10-year-old boy for alleged ritual purposes. This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about child safety and the persistence of harmful traditional practices in the region.
Details of the Alleged Crime and Rescue Operation
According to police reports, the events unfolded on the evening of February 22, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m. The suspect, a resident of Kuidawa village who operates as a self-styled native doctor known locally as "Boka," allegedly lured the young victim, Alhassan Usman, into a nearby bush under false pretenses. Once in the secluded area, the suspect is said to have pushed the defenseless boy into a well, leaving him in a perilous situation.
Fortunately, the story took a hopeful turn when a Good Samaritan discovered the child the following day, on February 23, and immediately initiated a rescue operation. The boy was carefully extracted from the well and promptly transported to the General Hospital in Katsina for urgent medical attention. Medical professionals at the facility reported that the young victim sustained varying degrees of injuries during the ordeal, though his condition has been stabilized thanks to timely intervention.
Police Investigation and Suspect Confession
Following the rescue, the Katsina State Police Command launched a thorough investigation into the incident. Through diligent detective work, law enforcement officers were able to trace the suspect, Aliyu Ashabu, and effect his arrest. During questioning, the suspect reportedly confessed to the offense, providing chilling details about his motivations and actions.
In his confession, Ashabu claimed that he was preparing charms for an individual identified as Khalid, who remains at large and is now wanted by the police. This revelation has added another layer of complexity to the case, suggesting possible accomplices or instigators behind the attempted ritual killing. The police have intensified their efforts to locate and apprehend Khalid as part of their ongoing investigation.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The case has been formally registered and is currently under active investigation by the Katsina State Police Command. Authorities have indicated that the suspect will face multiple charges, including culpable homicide, unlawful juju practices, and possible cultism-related offenses. These charges reflect the serious nature of the crime and the determination of law enforcement to pursue justice vigorously.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Gambo Isah emphasized that the command is committed to ensuring a comprehensive investigation that leaves no stone unturned. "We are treating this case with the utmost seriousness," Isah stated. "The safety of our children is paramount, and we will not tolerate any form of violence or exploitation targeting minors. Our investigation will be thorough, and all those involved will be brought to justice."
Community Reaction and Broader Implications
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern among residents of Katsina State and beyond. Community leaders have called for increased vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Many have also urged authorities to intensify public awareness campaigns about the dangers of ritual practices and the importance of protecting vulnerable children.
Child protection advocates have highlighted this case as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating harmful traditional beliefs and practices. They stress the need for stronger legal frameworks, better enforcement mechanisms, and more robust social support systems to safeguard children from such atrocities.
As the investigation continues, the Katsina State Police Command has assured the public that they will provide regular updates on the case's progress. The arrest of Aliyu Ashabu represents a crucial step in addressing this heinous crime, but authorities acknowledge that much work remains to be done to ensure complete justice and prevent future incidents.
