The number of deaths recorded within a span of one month due to domestic violence has negative impacts on the sanctity and sanity of the family system in Bauchi State. Ishola Michael focuses on the situation and offers what can be done to address it.
As it is, the issue of domestic abuse and violence leading to deaths is on the increase in Bauchi State considering the fact that in the last one month, not fewer than five of such deaths have been reported officially by the State Police Command.
The cases
The cases recorded included a husband killing his second wife over food items meant for fast breaking, a son killing his biological mother, a co-wife killing her rival.
In a Ramadan tragedy, a 50-year-old husband and businessman, Nuru Isah allegedly caned his 24-year-old second wife to death over food items meant for breaking the Ramadan fast on day one.
Consequently, Bauchi State Police Command has commenced a discrete investigation into the circumstances leading to the alleged culpable homicide.
The Command PPRO, Ahmed Wakili, in a statement released to journalists stated that, “On March 1, 2025, at about 11:30 pm, the Bauchi State Police Command was alerted to an alleged culpable homicide incident near Government Girls College, Fadamam Mada Area, Bauchi.”
According to him, “This unfortunate event arose from a misunderstanding between one Alh Nuru Isah, aged 50, a businessman at Central market Bauchi and his second wife, Wasila Abdullahi, aged 24, concerning handling the food ingredients and fruits designated for breaking the Ramadan fast, which escalated into a violent confrontation.”
The PPRO stated that, “Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, Alh Nuru Isah, is accused of using a cane to strike his wife, which resulted in her collapsing and becoming unconscious within their matrimonial residence.
“The victim was subsequently transported to ATBU Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed her death.”
The Bauchi State Police Command has initiated investigation into the incident and has apprehended the suspect, Isah.
The cane purportedly utilised in the assault has been recovered as exhibit, and the deceased has been placed in the mortuary pending autopsy procedures.
A few days after the fast-breaking incident, a 20-year-old man, Safiyanu Dalhatu, allegedly ‘pounded’ his 40-year-old mother, Salma Abdullahi, to death with a pestle.
Wakili in a statement stated that full scale investigation has commenced in order to unravel the circumstances surrounding the homicide case.
According to him, “On February 24, 2025, Peace and Security Committee members in the Abujan Kwata area of Bauchi metropolis reported an incident to the ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters.”
The report according to the PPRO was that, “At about 3:00 pm, Safiyanu Dalhatu, a 20-year-old man, resident of Abujan Kwata, allegedly assaulted his biological mother, Salma Abdullahi, a 40-year-old of the same residence.
“Safiyanu Dalhatu is accused of attacking Salma Abdullahi with a heavy pestle, resulting in fractures to both of her hands as well as other bodily injuries.”
The PPRO added that, “Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Abdullahi Muazu, promptly led a team of detectives to the scene and subsequently transported the victim to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi for medical attention. Unfortunately, a medical professional later confirmed her dead.”
Initial investigations suggested that the altercation between the suspect and his mother precipitated the assault, as the suspect has been apprehended, and the pestle used in the incident has been recovered and documented as exhibits.
In another case, 20-year-old housewife, Hajara Isa, was allegedly strangled to death in her matrimonial home in Bauchi by her co-wife. The incident was said to have occurred on Friday, February 28, 2025, a day to the commencement of the month of Ramadan.
According to a statement from the PPRO, “On March 3, 2025, at about 0800hrs, one Sale Isa of Anguwan Sarakuna area, Bauchi metropolis, reported the incident, raising suspicions regarding the circumstances surrounding Hajara’s passing. Family members have indicated that they believe her co-wife may have a role in the incident.”
The PPRO added that, “In light of this information, Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad promptly assigned a specialized team of detectives from the C Divisional Police Headquarters, under the leadership of the DPO of the Division, to thoroughly investigate the case.”
“This effort has already resulted in the arrest of Fatima Mohammed, a 28-year-old co-wife to the deceased, who is currently in custody,” he added stating that, “Preliminary findings suggest that Fatima Mohammed is implicated in Hajara’s death. During her questioning, she reportedly admitted to have strangulated her to death, and thereafter attempted to conceal the crime by pouring boiled water on her and burning her body with a melting Bagco sack.”
The PPRO stressed that, “The Bauchi State Police Command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case. The investigation will be referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to guarantee a thorough and impartial examination.”
CP Auwal Musa Muhammad has assembled a team of experienced homicide detectives to gather all relevant information, including allegations and insights from various sources regarding Hajara Isa’s death.
Experts, religious leaders speak
Reacting to the recent spate of killings among family members in Bauchi State caused by domestic abuse and violence, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Dr Fawaz Babandi, ascribed the development to subtle mental health issues among individuals that are not known to the public.
Fawaz Babandi while reacting to the development, said that people with potential to commit violence have a history of physical attacks.
He noted that such individuals may have mental illness. And at times, the availability of a weapon triggers their actions.
The consultant psychiatrist added that, “Symptoms to watch out for are when a person develops poor sleeping habits, feels internal body heat, loss of interest in interaction and prolonged headaches. These, if not attended to, manifest in violence attacks.”
According to him, “There is no full health package for mental health, which is why we want government to prioritise mental health by integrating it into all levels of health care.”
Babandi emphasised that mental health has been neglected by government, the effect of which is the violence being witnessed in the society. He said, “Primary healthcare level is closest to the people but there are no mental health services there. The health workers themselves are not trained to identify and treat mental health issues which is a major challenge.”
He further said that the relevant department at ATBUTH sees a lot of patients with depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder and substance abuse. According to him, individuals need to promote and maintain their mental well-being by seeking help whenever they notice any symptoms of poor sleep or hear voices in their head.
He said, “The individual needs to seek help because most at times are signs are there but people will only realise when the person has committed an offence. It is then they will recall some abnormal behaviours he exhibited earlier.”
He added that the families and communities must monitor their members and assist those who need help, especially the youths who are often involved in substance abuse.
He said that speaking on the issue of stigmatization has forced most persons with mental health issues to stay away.
He lamented, “The society stigmatises patients with mental health problems. Even we the doctors are not left out. This is why we want mental health services to be integrated so that people can visit the psychiatry unit without fear of stigma.”
To him, mental health is everyone’s business because it can affect anyone at any time.
In his own reaction to the development, a sociologist, Abdullahi Yalwa, stated that, “It is very unfortunate that we are recording the kind of domestic violence within Bauchi costing precious human lives.”
According to him, “One of the causes of this development is the ignorance of the social contract called marriage, hence the mishandling of grievances resolution channels. This situation results in self-help by aggrieved couples and the over-reaction or actions that ultimately lead to death.”
He said, “In some instances, you have the denial of opportunity to discuss matrimonial challenges and offer the best way out as another reason for such unwanted development. Media influence, especially the free world of the new media, and some unprofessional movies, also serves as a compounding factor to the menace.”
The sociologist added: “Then comes the family’s individualistic lifestyle, devoid of the needed social connectivity and mutual interactions. These among other factors such as the psycho-social temperament of the persons involved influence either by poverty, hunger, anger, depression, anxiety and or even drugs abuse may be the reason for such sad actions.”
Yalwa suggested that, “To address the problem, some measures should be taken to review our pattern of interrelations. A robust attitudinal change to address emotions among married couples should be adopted by the governments, religious bodies and community leaders.”
Rev. Raphael Adetunmibi is the chairman, Pastors Fellowship of North-East Baptist Conference. He reacted to the development saying, “Domestic violence is a grave offence that can lead to severe consequences. Every person deserves to live in a safe and secure environment.
According to him, “The government must take a firm stance against domestic violence and abuse. Spouses are expected to coexist in peace, joy, and harmony; however, the presence of domestic violence disrupts this balance, leading to the disintegration of family unity.
“In light of the alarming prevalence of domestic violence in Bauchi, it is imperative for the state government to take immediate measures to tackle this pressing issue. Such violence cannot be tolerated, as it threatens to undermine the fabric of the community.
“The tragic incident on March 1st, 2025, where a man fatally assaulted his wife over a minor domestic dispute during Ramadan, exemplifies the grave consequences of such actions. This heinous act has not only robbed the victim of her life but has also inflicted profound grief upon her family and loved ones. It is crucial that appropriate actions are taken to hold the perpetrator accountable and prevent further occurrences.”
Adetunmibi, who is the resident pastor of First Baptist Church, Yandoka, Bauchi, added, “Inaction regarding this grave issue may embolden others to commit similar acts of domestic violence. The scripture states, ‘Because sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men among them is fully set on doing evil’ (Ecclesiastes 8:11). When wrongdoing goes unpunished, individuals may believe they can act without consequence.”
Furthermore, he said, “If grace is shown to the wicked, still he will not learn righteousness. He will deal unjustly in an upright land, and will not perceive the majesty of the Lord” (Isaiah 26:10). It is imperative that the Bauchi State government addresses this serious issue of domestic violence that resulted in the tragic death of an innocent woman. Justice must prevail; otherwise, there is a risk that others will follow suit, mistakenly viewing domestic violence as an acceptable means of resolving family disputes.”
Also speaking, Sheikh Adams Musa Imam condemned the violence that has resulted to deaths in the state particularly in the Holy Month of Ramadan when blessings are expected to flow freely from Allah to human beings in the world.
He stressed that Islam is against any act of violence especially against women and children and therefore does not condone such.
He added that lack of understanding and patience are the major factors leading to domestic violence which eventual leads to untimely death.
What the law says
Gender based violence (GBV) is a significant issue in Bauchi State, as it is in many parts of Nigeria, and the existing GBV-related laws that have been enacted to address it are the VAPP Law, Penal Code Law, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
The VAPP Law needs to be updated, for instance, by amending s.1(2)(a) to recognize spousal rape in situations where the sexual intercourse is without consent and/or with force and violence.
Awareness of these laws and policies will prevent GBV in the state observers say. These laws are often used to prosecute sexual harassment cases in public and private institutions. Though the laws were reviewed and signed recently, there’s still need for continuous collaboration with different organisations to strengthen the laws.
With regards to Bauchi State’s system of reporting, prosecution, and enforcement, GBV cases are reported first to a police station to enable the police initiate an arrest and conduct an investigation. The Police then sends the victim/survivor to a health facility if he/she needs medical attention, after which it proceeds to the Ministry of Justice to prosecute the perpetrators.
Though there are no Family Support Units (FSUs) and dedicated GBV Judges in the state, the GBV desk at the Ministry of Women Affairs (MOWA), Health, Justice, and Police Headquarters facilitate the prosecution of the perpetrators.
Also, the office of the First Lady collaborates with the Ministry of Justice and MOWA to provide legal assistance to GBV victims/survivors and ensure prompt prosecution of GBV-related court cases.
‘Ending domestic violence a collective effort’
Between January to December 2024, the State Office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) declared that a total of 56,553 cases of human rights violations have been recorded in Bauchi state .
State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Yahcit Dala, made the disclosure while speaking at the closing of the 2024 16 Days of Activism, explaining that during the period under review, the Commission achieved a significant success in addressing some of cases brought before it, while some of the cases are still ongoing due to intensive investigations.
According to her, the most common complaints reported included gender-based violence, domestic violence, and abandonment of parental responsibilities, stating that the Bauchi State office of the Commission has engaged with the government and critical stakeholders to address human rights violations, resulting in some success stories.
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She stressed that the Commission is committed to carrying out promotional and protective mandates, including sensitizations, awareness, and advocacies, stressing that in addressing gender-based violence, the Commission works with health, law enforcement, and Police to ensure that survivors received necessary support and assistance.
Dala emphasized that it is a collective effort to address human rights violations and called on all stakeholders to work together to promote and protect human rights in Bauchi State.
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