Calls for Investigation into the Killing of 80-Year-Old Man in Benue Over Witchcraft Claims

An 80-year-old man, Ordue Ikye, was reportedly beaten to death by a mob in Gbemacha Council Ward, Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State. This happened after he was accused of causing the death of a younger relative through witchcraft.

Amnesty International, in a statement, urged Nigerian authorities to look into the killing. They said this event shows the risks tied to witchcraft accusations.

According to the human rights group, Mr Ikye was targeted after Aker Aleva, a man in his 30s, got sick and later died in the hospital. They noted that Mr Ikye denied the accusations until his death.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) had already asked the police to investigate what happened and hold anyone responsible accountable. In a petition signed by its Director, Leo Igwe, AfAW said the incident took place around 7 p.m. on a Sunday in Gbemacha Council Ward, Mbavior, Mbasar, Tse-Ikye, Gwer Local Government Area.

Information given to AfAW by Mr Ikye’s son revealed that Mr Aleva had gone to watch football. He complained of a headache while coming home and then collapsed. He was taken to a hospital in Ikpayongo, where he sadly died.

AfAW stated that some community members later blamed Mr Ikye for Aleva’s death. They also mentioned that the two men were related, with Mr Aleva’s grandfather and Mr Ikye’s father having the same father.

The source shared that he was coming back home when he heard shouts and saw a group confronting his father. The petition named Atim Iwen, known as Daddy, the youth president, and Utim Akpa, also known as Tor Kpande, as among those leading the mob.

AfAW claimed that a fire was set on both sides of Mr Ikye, who was asked to explain what happened to Mr Aleva. He reportedly insisted he did not know what had occurred or why Mr Aleva had died.

The petition also mentioned that some people suggested killing Mr Ikye to make an example of him. AfAW stressed that the police should independently investigate the allegations.

After Mr Ikye was killed, AfAW said an ambulance took his body to Ikpayongo and deposited it in a mortuary. They also claimed that a community meeting held by the traditional authority, Agiya Jubu, focused on Mr Aleva’s death without discussing Mr Ikye’s killing.

The killing of Mr Ikye is not the only case of violence linked to witchcraft accusations in Nigeria. On January 3, 2025, 17 suspects were arrested after a man, Uromchi Okorocha, was allegedly burnt to death by a mob in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The police reported that local youths had accused Okorocha of using witchcraft to kill several people. The Force spokesperson at that time, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the mob captured Okorocha, killed him, and set him on fire before police arrived.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the police labeled the incident as jungle justice and urged people to report suspected crimes to law enforcement.

On July 20, 2026, another incident happened in Dandango, Bauchi State, where a 51-year-old man, Monday Chiroma, died after he and another person, Yelwa Bango, were allegedly attacked by a mob accusing them of bewitching a 20-year-old woman, Jamila Anthony.

The Bauchi Police Command stated on July 29 that three suspects were arrested related to Chiroma’s death. Bango survived the attack and received treatment in the hospital.

Earlier, on February 12, 2026, a man named Nwalozie Chiwendu reportedly killed his brother, Chidiebere Isaiah, in Ofeh community, Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State. He accused his brother of witchcraft and blamed him for his own struggles in life. The Rivers Police Command confirmed the incident and said they were searching for the suspect.

Amnesty International noted that witchcraft accusations often come up in families or communities after illnesses or deaths. Such claims can lead to violence, especially against older people, particularly those who are poor or have health issues.

The organization called on the government to start a national awareness campaign that challenges social practices that discriminate against older people through witchcraft accusations. AfAW similarly stated that an unexplained illness or death should not be seen as proof that someone else caused it through supernatural means.

They urged the police to quickly investigate Mr Ikye’s death, protect the confidential witness, and prosecute anyone responsible.