An elderly man, identified as Ordue Ikye, aged over 80, has reportedly died after he was allegedly beaten by a mob following accusations of witchcraft in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 7pm last Sunday in Tse-Ikye, Gbemacha Council Ward, after the death of a younger relative, Aker Aleva, who was said to be in his 30s.
According to a petition by the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) to the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Aleva had reportedly complained of a headache after returning from watching a football match. He later collapsed and was taken to a hospital in Ikpayongo, where he reportedly died.
Following his death, community members allegedly accused Ikye, who was related to Aleva, of causing the death through witchcraft.
AfAW said a confidential witness reported that a group of people confronted Ikye at his home, where fires were allegedly lit on both sides of him as he was questioned about Aleva’s death.
The elderly man reportedly denied the allegation and said he had no knowledge of what happened to Aleva.
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However, some members of the group allegedly picked up pieces of wood and attacked him, leaving him with injuries that reportedly proved fatal.
AfAW alleged that five people, including the community youth president, were identified by its source as being involved in the attack. The organisation, however, stressed that the allegations should be independently investigated by the police.
The group has called on the Benue State Police Command to thoroughly investigate the incident, preserve available evidence, protect witnesses and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted.
AfAW also expressed concern over the continued use of unexplained illnesses or deaths as grounds for witchcraft accusations and mob violence.
The organisation urged authorities to take preventive measures to stop further witchcraft-related attacks in the community.
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