By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has petitioned the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, demanding an investigation into the alleged killing of an 80-year-old man, Ordue Ikye, following accusations of witchcraft.
In the petition signed by AfAW Director, Dr Leo Igwe, and made available to Peoples Daily, the group alleged that Ikye was beaten to death after being accused of causing the death of a younger relative, Aker Aleva.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 7 p.m. on Sunday in Tse-Ikye, Mbavior, Mbasar, Gbemacha Council Ward of Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State.
AfAW condemned the circumstances surrounding Ikye’s death and urged the police to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation to establish what happened, identify those responsible and prosecute anyone against whom sufficient evidence is established.
How the allegation began
According to an account attributed to a son of the deceased, whose identity AfAW withheld for security reasons, Aleva, said to be in his 30s, had gone out to watch a football match before returning home and complaining of a headache.
He reportedly 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, who was related to the deceased, of being responsible through witchcraft.
The witness alleged that when he returned home on Sunday evening, he heard people shouting and discovered a crowd confronting his father.
According to the petition, some members of the gathering allegedly questioned Ikye over Aleva’s death and demanded an explanation from him. Ikye reportedly denied responsibility.
AfAW alleged that the confrontation subsequently turned violent, with members of the crowd attacking the elderly man with sticks.
The witness said he was afraid to intervene because he feared he could also be attacked.
“After the beating stopped, I observed that my father was no longer alive,” the witness was quoted as saying.
The petition named several individuals whom the witness alleged were present or participated in events surrounding the attack. AfAW stressed the need for the police to investigate the allegations and determine individual responsibility.
AfAW seeks investigation, protection of witnesses
According to the petition, Ikye’s body was later taken to Ikpayongo and deposited in a mortuary.
The witness further alleged that a subsequent community meeting focused on Aleva’s death rather than the circumstances surrounding his father’s killing.
He also claimed that when he attempted to record the meeting, his phone was forcibly taken from him and photographs and videos were deleted.
AfAW said the deceased’s family had been reluctant to formally pursue the case because of alleged intimidation, fear of retaliation and financial constraints.
The organisation urged the Commissioner of Police to order a comprehensive investigation into Ikye’s death, question individuals allegedly connected with the incident and investigate claims concerning the seizure of the witness’s phone and deletion of recordings.
It also called on the police to preserve relevant evidence, including medical and mortuary records, photographs, videos and witness accounts.
AfAW further requested protection for the deceased’s family and other witnesses against possible intimidation or retaliation.
“Where the investigation establishes sufficient evidence of criminal responsibility, ensure that the persons responsible are prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law,” the group said.
It also urged the police to take measures to prevent further violence arising from allegations of witchcraft in the community.
AfAW said it was prepared to cooperate with investigators and facilitate contact with the confidential witness under arrangements that would guarantee his safety.
“We trust that your office will treat this matter with urgency and take appropriate steps to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder, protect vulnerable witnesses and ensure that justice is served,” Igwe said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.
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