Jos—A 60-year-old man, identified as Yakubu Vong, has allegedly set ablaze an eight-year-old girl (names withheld) at Sabon Layi in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The suspect, who is in police custody in Jos, allegedly set the girl ablaze while urging her to confess her involvement in witchcraft for which she was accused.

The suspect was said to have lured the girl to his house where he allegedly forced the girl to confess to being a witch.

It was learned that the girl's refusal infuriated him and prompted him to bathe her with fuel and set her ablaze, claiming she was a witch.

However, one James Bamu, who is an uncle to the deceased girl, said the girl was innocent, wondering if the suspect had any proof that the girl was a witch.

He described the act as barbaric and demanded that the law deal decisively with the suspect to serve as deterrence to others practising such an evil act.

The girl, who was rushed to the hospital after the incident, died as the result of the burns she suffered.

State Police Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Abuh, who confirmed the incident, described the situation as sad.

He added that the suspect was already in police custody and that investigations were on.
-vanguardngr