Muslims who murdered a 70-year-old Catholic woman in Nigeria on March 2 were driven by a false claim from a local herbalist that she had bewitched one of the attackers' wives, according to sources.
Four individuals who identified themselves as Muslims attacked Talatu Joshua shortly after she left a church service at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Kirfi County, Bauchi State, reported local law enforcement officials. According to family and church sources, the religious facility is situated within Kurba village of the same county.
The Bauchi police uncovered the attackers' motivations following the arrest of the suspects on March 8, according to the spokesperson who informed this to the media. Nigerian Tribune Two days prior to the March 2 attack, on February 28, one of the suspects, Jamilu Usman, consulted a traditional healer about his wife's illness. He was informed that Joshua from Jinga village was the cause of her condition, according to the spokesman.
The spokesperson allegedly stated, "That same day, Jamilu Usman initiated an altercation with Talatu, joined by Ismail Usman, Ali Isah, and Rilwanu Usman." During this incident, they alleged that she practiced witchcraft and threatened her life concerning the forthcoming Sallah celebrations [Islamic holiday events]. This dispute intensified when the individuals involved hit Talatu Joshua on the head with a piece of wood, which rendered her unconscious," eventually culminating in her tragic death on March 2nd.
The head of the Bauchi State Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Wakil, named those detained over the March 2 attack as Rilwanu Usman, Ali Isa, Ila Alhaji Marafa, and Jamilu Malam Usman.
"They attacked the older woman on March 2, causing several injuries, such as a serious wound below her left ear," Wakil stated.
Yohanna Haruna, whose mother was killed, informed Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that his son contacted him on the same day to tell him about the assault.
I hurried to the location where she was assaulted and discovered that she had passed away with her body left behind by her assailants," Haruna stated. "At the local police station in Kirfi town, I filed a report about the incident, and they mentioned that an investigation would take place. After notifying the authorities, I brought my mother's remains back home for burial.
Kefas Dennis, who serves as both a catechist and an associate pastor at St. Benedict Catholic Church, verified that Joshua was part of their congregation.
We held a funeral Mass for her and laid her to rest," Dennis stated. "My heart is heavy with questions about why this woman was brutally murdered by those Muslims without any reason.
Lawyers representing Ada-Light Kwaltings, Samuel & Partners stated that the Muslim accused individuals utilized tools such as clubs, knives, and machetes to cause lethal harm to Joshua prior to anyone nearby being able to step in.
In 2025, Nigeria was placed at number seven on the World Watch List compiled by Open Doors, which ranks the top 50 nations where Christians face severe persecution.
