An elderly man identified as Ordue Ikye, reportedly above 80 years old, has allegedly been beaten to death in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State after being accused of causing the death of a younger relative through witchcraft.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has petitioned the Benue State Police Command, calling for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of anyone found responsible for the incident. According to the group, the accusation against Ikye followed the illness and subsequent death of Aker Aleva, who reportedly died in hospital. Ikye is said to have denied the allegation before he was attacked.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches also raised concerns over an alleged attempt to destroy evidence, including claims that a witness’s phone was seized and recordings deleted.
The circumstances surrounding the reported death require proper investigation by the appropriate authorities. An unexplained death cannot be taken as proof that another person caused it through witchcraft.
