The Advocacy for Alleged Witches, AfAW, has petitioned the Benue State Police Command over the alleged killing of an elderly man, Ordue Ikye, said to be above 80 years, following an accusation that he caused the death of a younger relative through witchcraft.

In the petition signed by its Director, Dr Leo Igwe, the organisation urged the Commissioner of Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ikye’s death and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

AfAW said the incident allegedly occurred at about 7pm last Sunday in Gbemacha Council Ward, Mbavior, Mbasar, Tse-Ikye, Gwer Local Government Area of the state.

The organisation called for “an immediate and thorough investigation to establish what happened, identify those responsible and, where sufficient evidence is found, bring the perpetrators to justice.”

According to information provided to AfAW by a confidential source identified as the deceased’s son, Ikye was accused of causing the death of Aker Aleva, a man in his 30s and a relative.

The source reportedly said Aleva had gone to watch football and complained of a headache while returning home before collapsing. He was subsequently taken to a hospital in Ikpayongo, where he reportedly died.

Following Aleva’s death, the source alleged that some members of the community accused Ikye of being responsible.

AfAW said the two men were related, with Aleva’s grandfather and Ikye’s father reportedly sharing the same father.

Recounting the alleged incident, the source said he was returning home when he heard people shouting and discovered a group confronting his father.

The petition identified Atim Iwen, also known as Daddy, said to be the Youth President, and Utim Akpa, also known as Tor kpande, as among those allegedly leading the proceedings.

According to the petition, a fire was allegedly made on both sides of Ikye, who was asked to explain Aleva’s death and accused of being responsible for it.

Ikye reportedly denied the allegation, saying he did not know what had happened or why Aleva had died.

The source further alleged that Iwen subsequently consulted some elderly members of the community after Ikye denied responsibility.

The petition said some individuals allegedly suggested that Ikye should be killed. One person identified as Velumun Taasar was quoted as saying that whether or not Ikye was responsible for the death, he should be killed and “an example should be made of him.”

Although some people reportedly opposed the suggestion, AfAW said members of the group subsequently picked up logs and allegedly attacked the elderly man.

The source, who said he witnessed the incident, reportedly told AfAW that he was afraid to intervene because he feared he could also be attacked.

He alleged that Ikye was beaten and later found dead after the attack.

The source also named Atume Tarsaar, Vandelum Nyitamen, Mimido Aleva, identified as Aker Aleva’s younger sister, and Sughshater Asom, among others, as alleged participants in the attack.

AfAW, however, stressed that the names were based on allegations by its confidential source and urged the police to independently establish the facts.

The organisation said that after the alleged killing, Iwen and others reportedly called an ambulance and Ikye’s body was taken to Ikpayongo and deposited in a mortuary.

AfAW further alleged that the traditional authority, Ortar Zaki Agiya Jubu, later convened a community meeting which, according to the witness, focused on Aleva’s death without addressing the alleged killing of Ikye.

The witness also alleged that when he attempted to record part of the meeting, individuals acting on the direction of the Ortar forcibly took his phone, compelled him to provide his password and deleted photographs and videos he had recorded.

He further alleged that the Zaki confronted and warned him.

AfAW said Ikye’s family had been unable to formally report the alleged killing because of financial difficulties and fears of possible retaliation.

The organisation therefore urged the police to protect the confidential witness, whom it described as being in a vulnerable position after allegedly witnessing the incident.

It asked the police to investigate the alleged killing, invite and question those identified by the witness, examine the alleged roles of Iwen, Akpa and Taasar, and investigate the alleged seizure of the witness’s phone and deletion of evidence.

It also called for the preservation of medical and mortuary records, witness accounts, photographs, videos and other relevant evidence, as well as the prosecution of anyone found criminally responsible.

AfAW said it was willing to cooperate with the police and facilitate contact with the confidential witness through a safe channel to protect his identity and safety.

The organisation said it was “deeply concerned by the reported circumstances surrounding the death of an elderly man above 80 years following an accusation of witchcraft.”

It added that an unexplained illness or death could not constitute evidence that another person caused the death through supernatural means.

According to AfAW, witchcraft accusations could lead to serious human rights violations, including violence, torture and unlawful killing.

The organisation consequently urged the police to act urgently, protect vulnerable witnesses and take measures to prevent further violence linked to witchcraft accusations in the community. (Vanguard, excluding headline)

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