Two elderly men in Imo State have called for justice after they were allegedly ostracized by their community over accusations of witchcraft linked to the deaths of their relatives.
One of the victims, 92-year-old Isikaku from Umuadara Village in Umulogho, Obowo Local Government Area, said he has endured severe emotional, physical, and psychological trauma after being accused of using witchcraft to kill a relative, Barrister Joseph Ohakpo, during a land dispute.
Speaking during a visit by the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), led by its Executive Director, Dr. Leo Igwe, Isikaku broke down in tears while recounting his experience.
According to him, the deceased had been battling a chronic heart condition that caused severe swelling in his legs and eventually led to surgery.
However, after the lawyer’s death, members of the community allegedly ignored his medical history and accused him of causing the death through spiritual means.
He said the accusation led to his ostracization and the violation of his fundamental human rights.
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AfAW also visited another victim, Ichie Livinus Okonkwo, who said he was accused of causing the death of his nephew in Vietnam.
Okonkwo explained that his nephew was allegedly stabbed to death by a former girlfriend in Vietnam following a disagreement over marriage. He said the circumstances surrounding the incident were officially communicated to him by the Nigerian Embassy because he served as the deceased’s guardian.
He further stated that the suspect was prosecuted and compensation was paid to the family. Despite these developments, he claimed that some youths in his community accused him of causing the death through witchcraft after they were allegedly influenced by others.
Questioning the allegation, Okonkwo asked how he could be blamed for a death that occurred thousands of kilometres away and whose cause had already been established.
Both men appealed for an end to harmful beliefs and unverified accusations that can destroy lives, families, and communities.
They also called for increased public awareness and stronger institutional measures to protect individuals from persecution based on unproven witchcraft allegations.
In response, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches pledged to engage community leaders and advocate for the full reintegration of the two men while seeking the restoration of their fundamental rights.
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