By Emmanuel Kwada
A devastating incident has shaken the Fadamam Mada community in Bauchi State, where a 50-year-old businessman, Alhaji Nuru Isah, has been arrested for allegedly beating his 24-year-old second wife, Wasila Abdullahi, to death during a domestic dispute over a delayed Ramadan meal.
The tragic event, which occurred on the evening of March 1, 2025, has left the community in shock and sparked outrage over escalating cases of domestic violence in Nigeria.
According to the Bauchi State Police Command, the altercation took place around 11:30 PM near Government Girls College in the Fadamam Mada area. The dispute reportedly stemmed from a misunderstanding over the preparation of food ingredients and fruits designated for breaking the Ramadan fast, known as Iftar.
Tensions escalated, leading Isah to allegedly strike Abdullahi with a cane, causing her to collapse and lose consciousness inside their home. She was rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where medical personnel confirmed her death upon arrival.
This unfortunate event arose from a misunderstanding between Alhaji Nuru Isah, aged 50, a businessman at Central Market, Bauchi, and his second wife, Wasila Abdullahi, aged 24, concerning the handling of food ingredients and fruits designated for breaking the Ramadan fast, which escalated into a violent confrontation
The Bauchi State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakili, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Sunday, March 2, 2025. “This unfortunate event arose from a misunderstanding between Alhaji Nuru Isah, aged 50, a businessman at Central Market, Bauchi, and his second wife, Wasila Abdullahi, aged 24, concerning the handling of food ingredients and fruits designated for breaking the Ramadan fast, which escalated into a violent confrontation,” Wakili said.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly as it occurred during Ramadan, a holy month dedicated to peace, reflection, and spiritual growth.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, described the event as “deeply concerning,” assuring the public that a thorough investigation is underway and justice will be served.
This is a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse, particularly in moments meant for unity and spirituality
“We want to assure the public that justice will be done, and we urge everyone to allow the law to take its course,” Muhammad stated. He also emphasized the need for peaceful conflict resolution within households, urging residents to avoid resorting to violence, especially during sensitive periods like Ramadan.
Local residents and activists have expressed horror at the brutality of the incident. Ibrahim Musa, a resident of the Fadamam Mada area, called the event “horrific and unfortunate,” while posts on X reflect growing public anger and calls for stricter measures against gender-based violence.
“This is a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse, particularly in moments meant for unity and spirituality,” one user wrote, capturing the sentiment of dismay among Nigerians online.
The police have recovered the cane allegedly used in the assault as evidence, and Abdullahi’s body has been deposited in the mortuary pending an autopsy. Isah remains in custody as the investigation continues, with authorities stressing their commitment to addressing domestic violence and ensuring accountability.
The Bauchi State Police Command, the altercation took place around 11:30 PM near Government Girls College in the Fadamam Mada area
This tragedy comes amid broader concerns about gender-based violence in Nigeria, with recent reports highlighting similar incidents across the country. The Bauchi case has reignited calls for awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and community initiatives to curb such violence, especially during culturally significant times like Ramadan.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Bauchi and Nigerians nationwide await justice for Wasila Abdullahi, whose life was tragically cut short in a dispute that should have ended in reconciliation, not violence.
