In a tragic incident, the Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man, Safiyanu Dalhatu, for allegedly killing his mother, Salama Abdullahi, by striking her with a pestle. The gruesome act took place on February 24, 2025, at approximately 3:00 pm in the Abujan Kwata area of Bauchi metropolis.
According to reports from residents, Dalhatu inflicted multiple severe injuries on his mother by repeatedly hitting her with the pestle, ultimately leading to her death. A local witness, Walid Musa, confirmed the incident, stating, “He hit his mother with a pestle, and she died shortly thereafter.”
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The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. He revealed that the case was brought to the police’s attention by members of the Peace and Security Committee in the area, who promptly reported the matter to the ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters.
Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Abdullahi Muazu, led a team of detectives to the scene of the crime. The police immediately transported the victim to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi for emergency medical care. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, Salama Abdullahi was pronounced dead by the attending physician due to the severity of her injuries.
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“The suspect has been arrested, and the pestle used in the attack has been recovered as evidence,” CSP Wakil confirmed.
Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed, directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The suspect remains in police custody while the investigation continues. Authorities have assured the public that the case will be thoroughly examined, and the suspect will be prosecuted according to the law.
This incident has sparked renewed concern over the rising cases of domestic violence in Nigeria. Experts and advocacy groups are urging the government to prioritize mental health support and implement more effective measures to address domestic violence and prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.
Rising Cases of Domestic Violence
This case adds to a disturbing trend of domestic violence and familial conflicts in Nigeria. Advocacy groups have consistently highlighted the need for comprehensive mental health services and stronger community interventions to address the root causes of such violent behaviors.
Police authorities are calling on the public to report signs of domestic abuse or mental health struggles to prevent similar tragedies. The Bauchi State Police Command reiterated their commitment to ensuring that justice is served and warned against acts of violence, emphasizing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.