Katsina Ritual Assault: Boy Rescued, Suspect Arrested for Attempted Murder

Introduction: A Shocking Case of Alleged Ritual Violence in Northern Nigeria

In a disturbing incident that has reignited concerns over occult-related crimes in Nigeria, police in Katsina State have arrested a 20-year-old man for the alleged attempted murder of a 10-year-old boy in what authorities describe as a ritual assault. The case, which unfolded in the Kuidawa Village area, involves accusations of a local traditional healer, known colloquially as a “Boka,” luring a child to a secluded bush with the intent to kill him for purported ritual purposes. The victim, identified as Alhassan Usman, was miraculously rescued the following day by a good Samaritan and is now receiving medical treatment for multiple injuries. The suspect, Aliyu Ashabu, reportedly confessed during police interrogation, claiming he was preparing charms for an individual named Khalid, who remains at large. This event underscores the persistent and perilous intersection of superstition, crime, and child vulnerability in parts of Nigeria, raising critical questions about community safety, legal enforcement, and the socio-cultural roots of such atrocities.

Key Points: Summary of the Incident and Investigation

Crime: Alleged attempted murder and ritual assault of a 10-year-old boy.
Location: Kuidawa Village, Katsina Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria.
Date of Incident: February 22, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Suspect: Aliyu Ashabu, 20, a local traditional healer (“Boka”).
Victim: Alhassan Usman, 10.
Modus Operandi: The suspect allegedly lured the boy to a nearby bush and pushed him into a deep, neatly dug hole—a common trope in ritual killing narratives intended to conceal the body or perform acts in isolation.
Rescue: The victim was rescued on February 23, 2024, by a civilian and rushed to the General Hospital in Katsina.
Suspect’s Status: Arrested after being tracked by police. Reportedly confessed, stating the act was part of charm preparation for a third party named Khalid.
Potential Charges: Attempted culpable homicide (or murder), unlawful juju practices, and cult-related offences under Nigerian law.
Investigation: Ongoing, with police seeking the individual identified as “Khalid.”