Man Wanted After Allegedly Setting Mother Ablaze Over Witchcraft Allegation in Cross River
By Chibuzo Obidike
A middle aged man, Emmanuel Akposi, is wanted by the police in Cross River State after allegedly setting his elderly mother, Mrs Atim Akposi, ablaze over claims that she was responsible for the death of his child.
The incident occurred on August 14 in Ojo community, Akamkpa Local Government Area, after the suspect allegedly attacked his mother in her room, poured fuel on her and set her on fire before fleeing.
The victim suffered severe burns and was treated at different hospitals before she died at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, in the early hours of Monday.
The victim’s elder son, Eyo Akposi, said Emmanuel had allegedly accused their mother of witchcraft for several years, claiming that some pastors had told him she was responsible for his child’s death.
He alleged that the suspect had previously attempted to harm their mother before the fatal attack.
The matter has been reported to the Uyanga Divisional Police Station, which has commenced investigation and launched a manhunt for the suspect.
Meanwhile, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has condemned the incident, describing it as a brutal consequence of witchcraft accusations.
The group called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect and urged religious leaders to avoid narratives capable of fuelling witch-hunting and violence against alleged witches.
The incident has renewed concerns over the deadly consequences of witchcraft allegations and the need to protect vulnerable members of communities from violence based on unverified claims.
