Amnesty Condemns Killing of 80-Year-Old Benue Man Over Witchcraft Accusation

By Peter Emmanuel |

Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the killing of 80-year-old Ordue Ikye, who was reportedly beaten to death by a mob in Tse-Ikye, Gbemacha Council Ward, Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State, after being accused of causing the death of a younger relative through witchcraft.

The rights organisation called on Nigerian authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the killing and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

According to Amnesty, Ikye was targeted following the illness and subsequent death of a younger relative, Aker Aleva, who reportedly died in hospital. The organisation said Ikye repeatedly denied the allegation of witchcraft until he was lynched.

Amnesty described the killing as another example of the deadly consequences of witchcraft accusations, particularly when such allegations are made against vulnerable members of communities.

The organisation said authorities must take steps to prevent similar incidents and protect people from violence arising from unsubstantiated accusations.

Amnesty Demands Transparent Investigation Into Mob Killing

Amnesty International Nigeria said the circumstances surrounding Ikye’s death require a transparent and impartial investigation by the relevant authorities.

The organisation said no person should be subjected to violence or killed because of an accusation that has not been established through any lawful process.

Ikye’s death followed the illness and eventual death of Aleva, after which he was reportedly accused of causing the younger man’s death through witchcraft.

Amnesty said the elderly man repeatedly denied the accusation but was nevertheless attacked and beaten to death by a mob.

The rights group urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that the circumstances leading to the killing are properly investigated and that anyone found responsible faces justice.

Rights Group Calls for Action Against Witchcraft Accusations

Amnesty said witchcraft accusations often emerge within families or communities following tragic events such as illness or death.

The organisation warned that older people, particularly those living in poverty or with health conditions or disabilities, are at greater risk of being accused and subjected to discrimination or violence.

It said the killing of Ikye demonstrated the urgent need to address social and cultural practices that expose vulnerable people to such accusations.

Amnesty called on the government to establish a properly resourced, long-term national awareness campaign aimed at challenging practices that discriminate against older people through witchcraft accusations.

The organisation said stronger public awareness and sustained action were necessary to prevent further atrocities and ensure that innocent people are protected from violence based on baseless allegations.

Amnesty urged the authorities to treat Ikye’s killing as a serious human rights concern and take measures to ensure that similar accusations do not result in further loss of lives.