In a deeply troubling event that has sent shockwaves through the Abujan Kwata area of Bauchi State, a 20-year-old man, Safiyanu Dalhatu, has been arrested by the Bauchi State Police Command for allegedly assaulting his biological mother, Salama Abdullahi, resulting in her death. The incident occurred on February 24, 2025, around 3:00 p.m., at their residence in Abujan Kwata.
Details of the Incident
According to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, members of the Peace and Security Committee in the Abujan Kwata area reported the incident to the ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters. The report indicated that Safiyanu Dalhatu allegedly attacked his 40-year-old mother, Salama Abdullahi, with a heavy pestle. This assault resulted in fractures to both of her hands and other bodily injuries.
Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Abdullahi Muazu, led a team of detectives to the scene. They promptly transported the victim to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi for medical attention. Tragically, she was later pronounced dead by medical professionals.
Preliminary Investigations
Initial investigations suggest that an altercation between Safiyanu and his mother precipitated the assault. The specific details of the dispute have not been disclosed. The police have apprehended the suspect, and the pestle used in the incident has been recovered and documented as evidence
Official Response
The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. Upon completion of the investigation, the suspect is expected to be prosecuted in a court of law.
Context: Rising Cases of Domestic Violence in Nigeria
This incident highlights a concerning trend of domestic violence leading to fatalities in Nigeria. In recent years, there have been several reported cases of individuals being killed by family members. For instance, in January 2025, a 25-year-old man named Elisha was arrested for allegedly killing his lover in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in what was described as a ritual murder.
Similarly, in August 2024, 21-year-old Christiana Idowu, a student at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was kidnapped and murdered by 23-year-old Ayomide Adeleye, a philosophy student at Olabisi Onabanjo University. Despite a ransom being paid, Christiana was killed, shedding light on Nigeria’s growing femicide crisis.
Moreover, in January 2025, the murder of Salome Adaidu by her boyfriend, Timileyin Ajayi, garnered national attention. Ajayi was arrested on suspicion of killing and dismembering Salome after accusing her of infidelity. This case further underscores the alarming rate of femicide in the country.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
Nigeria’s legal system criminalizes all forms of violence, including domestic violence. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), enacted in 2015, provides a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of individuals against violence. However, enforcement remains a significant challenge due to factors such as societal norms, stigma, and inadequate resources.
Community Response and Support Systems
The Abujan Kwata community has been left in shock following the incident. Community leaders and members have expressed their condolences and are collaborating with law enforcement to ensure justice is served. This tragic event has also sparked discussions about the importance of mental health awareness and the need for accessible support systems to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Conclusion
The alleged matricide involving Safiyanu Dalhatu and his mother, Salama Abdullahi, is a tragic reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence in Nigeria. It underscores the urgent need for effective enforcement of existing laws, public awareness campaigns, and accessible support systems to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent future tragedies.
