Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the killing of an 80-year-old man, Ordue Ikye, in Benue State following an alleged accusation of witchcraft.
Drivetvnews gathered that the rights organisation called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred in Tse-Ikye, Gbemacha Council Ward, Gwer Local Government Area of the state.
According to Amnesty, Ikye was accused of being responsible for the death of a younger relative, Aker Aleva, who reportedly became ill and later died in hospital.
The organisation said Ikye repeatedly denied the allegation before he was attacked by a mob.
Amnesty described the incident as a disturbing example of the dangers associated with mob justice and unsubstantiated witchcraft accusations.
The group noted that such accusations can arise within families or communities following events such as illness or death, with older people and vulnerable members of society often facing greater risks.
Amnesty urged the Federal and Benue State governments to take concrete measures to prevent similar incidents and protect people from violence arising from witchcraft allegations.
It also called on security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those allegedly responsible for the killing in accordance with the law.
The organisation further advocated a properly funded, long-term public awareness campaign to challenge harmful practices and discrimination against older people associated with witchcraft accusations.
