Four Arrested for Alleged Lynching of 70-Year-Old Woman Accused of Witchcraft in North East Region

Police in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District have arrested four individuals in connection with the brutal murder of a 70-year-old woman, Noab Bilatukin, who was accused of being a witch.

The incident occurred on July 10, 2025, at Sangbana, a village near Bunkpurugu. According to police reports, the suspects — identified as Suuk Jakwa, 67; Banyiwoo Ntookwib, 32; Moapya Kwayaja, 30; and Amos Niaji, 29 — allegedly led a mob that attacked and lynched the elderly woman after accusing her of witchcraft. Following the incident, the suspects fled the community.

However, acting on credible intelligence, police launched a manhunt and successfully apprehended the suspects at separate locations in villages around Bunkpurugu on July 14, 2025. They are currently in custody and being interrogated. Authorities say the suspects will be arraigned before court upon completion of investigations.

In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the North East Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Robert Anabiik Anmain condemned the act and urged the public to desist from accusing individuals — particularly the elderly — of witchcraft.

“The Police would like to reiterate our call on the general public, especially residents in the North East Region, to stop the harmful and unlawful practice of branding people as witches or wizards and subjecting them to violence,” DSP Anmain said. “Anyone found engaging in such acts will face the full rigours of the law.”

The Police further assured the public of their commitment to ensuring justice is served and maintaining peace and security in the region.