A middle-aged man, identified as Emmanuel Akposi, has been declared wanted by the police after allegedly setting his elderly mother, Mrs Atim Akposi, also known as Atim Eyo, ablaze over allegations that she was responsible for the death of his child.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, at Ojo community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The victim, who sustained severe burns in the attack, was initially taken to a community health centre in Ojo before being transferred to Akamkpa General Hospital and later the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where she reportedly died in the early hours of Monday.
According to family sources, the suspect had allegedly accused his mother of witchcraft for several years and claimed that she was responsible for the death of his child.
Speaking about the incident, the victim’s elder son, Eyo Akposi, said Emmanuel had repeatedly accused their mother of being a witch, allegedly claiming that some pastors had told him she was responsible for the death.
Eyo said the suspect had confronted their mother several times and allegedly made attempts to harm her before the latest incident.
He said, “On that day, he entered her room and tried to strangle her. When she resisted, he hit her and she fell to the ground. He then poured fuel on her and set her on fire before fleeing.”
He added that neighbours raised the alarm after witnessing the incident and helped to take the victim to the hospital.
Eyo said he was informed of the attack after a video of the incident was sent to him, prompting him to advise family members to transfer their mother from Akamkpa General Hospital to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for further treatment.
According to him, the matter was reported at the Uyanga Divisional Police Station in Akamkpa, where an investigation was commenced and a manhunt launched for the suspect.
Meanwhile, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches has condemned the incident, describing it as a tragic consequence of witchcraft allegations and superstition.
The Director of the organisation, Leo Igwe, who brought the incident to public attention, said the death of Mrs Akposi highlighted the dangers posed by witchcraft accusations.
He called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect, while urging religious leaders and churches to desist from promoting narratives that could encourage witch-hunting and violence against people accused of witchcraft.
The police had yet to announce the arrest of the suspect as of the time of filing this report.