Elderly man killed in Benue after witchcraft allegation

An elderly man, Ordue Ikye, has died in Benue State after he was allegedly attacked by a mob over a witchcraft accusation.

The incident was reported at Tse-Ikye in Gbemacha Council Ward, Mbavior, in Gwer East Local Government Area. Daily Trust and Daily Post both reported that Ikye, who was over 80, was accused after the death of a younger relative, Aker Aleva.

The reports cited a petition by the Advocacy for Alleged Witches to the Benue State Commissioner of Police. The group said Aleva had gone out to watch football, complained of a headache on his way back, collapsed and later died in hospital.

After Aleva’s death, Ikye was allegedly blamed by members of the community and beaten. The advocacy group asked the police to investigate the killing and protect people accused of witchcraft from mob attacks.

Sources: Daily Trust, Daily Post