The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has petitioned the Benue State Police Command over the alleged killing of an 80-year-old man, Ordue Ikye, following accusations 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 incident and prosecute anyone found responsible.
AfAW said the incident allegedly occurred around 7pm last Sunday in Gbemacha Council Ward, Mbavior, Mbasar, Tse-Ikye, Gwer Local Government Area of the state.
According to the organisation, a confidential source identified as Ikye’s son alleged that the elderly man was accused of causing the death of Aker Aleva, a relative in his 30s.
The source reportedly said Aleva had gone to watch football and complained of a headache while returning home. He allegedly collapsed and was taken to a hospital in Ikpayongo, where he later died.
Following Aleva’s death, some members of the community allegedly 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.
The petition identified the Youth President, Atim Iwen, also known as Daddy, and Utim Akpa, also known as Tor kpande, as among those allegedly involved in the proceedings against Ikye.
AfAW alleged that a fire was made on both sides of the elderly man as he was asked to explain Aleva’s death. Ikye reportedly denied any knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the death.
The organisation said that after his denial, Iwen allegedly consulted some elders, some of whom reportedly suggested that Ikye should be killed.
One person identified as Velumun Taasar was quoted as saying that whether or not Ikye was responsible for Aleva’s death, he should be killed and “an example should be made of him.”
Although some people allegedly opposed the suggestion, AfAW said members of the group later picked up logs and attacked Ikye.
The confidential witness, who reportedly claimed to have watched the incident, said he did not intervene because he feared he could also be attacked.
He alleged that Ikye was beaten and later found dead.
The witness also named Atume Tarsaar, Vandelum Nyitamen, Mimido Aleva, identified as Aker Aleva’s younger sister, and Sughshater Asom, among others, as alleged participants.
AfAW stressed that the names were supplied by the confidential source and urged the police to independently verify the allegations.
The organisation further alleged that Iwen and others later called an ambulance, after which Ikye’s body was taken to Ikpayongo and deposited in a mortuary.
It also said the traditional authority, Ortar Zaki Agiya Jubu, subsequently convened a community meeting which, according to the witness, focused on Aleva’s death but did not address Ikye’s alleged killing.
The witness reportedly alleged that individuals acting on the Ortar’s instruction seized his phone when he attempted to record the meeting, compelled him to provide his password and deleted photographs and videos from the device.
AfAW said Ikye’s family had been unable to formally report the incident because of financial constraints and fears of retaliation.
It therefore asked the police to protect the witness, invite and question those named in the petition, and investigate the alleged roles of Iwen, Akpa and Taasar.
The organisation also called for an investigation into the alleged seizure of the witness’s phone and deletion of evidence, as well as the preservation of medical and mortuary records, witness accounts, photographs, videos and other relevant materials.
AfAW urged the police to prosecute anyone found criminally responsible and said it was willing to facilitate contact with the witness through a secure channel without exposing his identity.
The group described the reported killing as deeply concerning, warning that accusations of witchcraft could result in violence, torture and unlawful deaths.
It said an unexplained illness or death could not constitute evidence that another person caused it through supernatural means.
AfAW called for an urgent police response to protect vulnerable residents and prevent further violence linked to witchcraft accusations in the community.
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