Two suspects gunned down while attempting to escape after murder of couple accused of witchcraft in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have neutralised two suspected criminals arrested over the gruesome murder of a couple they accused of witchcraft at Tabga/Dogon Ruwa village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State after they allegedly attempted to escape while being transported by security personnel.

The suspects, identified as Hussaini Mallam Yusufu, 22, and Ishaku Sule, 24, were earlier arrested on November 4, 2026 for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities and the murder of Abdullah Adamu, 58, and his wife, Habiba Ibrahim, 45, on their farmland in Bashar District.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that Yusufu, Sule and a third suspect whose identity was yet to be disclosed, carried out the murder. 

The investigation reportedly revealed that one of the suspects claimed during interrogation that he dreamt that Habiba Ibrahim was a witch and she was planing to attack him, which he  cited as the reason for the attack. 

The latest incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026 when troops of Sector 2 OPEP were conveying the suspects to Wase town for onward transfer to the headquarters of the operation.

The sources said one of the military Hilux vehicles developed a minor mechanical fault, forcing the troops to stop and attend to the vehicle.

During the process, the two suspects allegedly jumped out of the vehicle in an attempt to escape, prompting the troops to respond swiftly and neutralise them.