Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the killing of an 80-year-old man, Ordue Ikye, who was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Benue State following accusations of witchcraft.
Ikye was reportedly attacked in Tse-Ikye, Gbemacha Council Ward, Gwer Local Government Area of the state, after being accused of causing the death of a younger relative, Aker Aleva, through witchcraft.
According to Amnesty International, Aleva had reportedly fallen ill and subsequently died in hospital, after which suspicion was directed at Ikye. The elderly man repeatedly denied the allegation but was allegedly lynched by the mob.
The rights organisation described the killing as a disturbing example of the devastating consequences of witchcraft accusations, warning that baseless allegations can expose vulnerable members of communities to violence, torture and extrajudicial killings.
Amnesty urged the Nigerian authorities to ensure that those responsible for Ikye’s death are identified and brought to justice, stressing the need for an investigation that is independent, transparent and impartial.
The organisation also called for urgent measures to prevent similar attacks, particularly against older people and other vulnerable members of society who are frequently targeted following illness, death or other tragic events.
It noted that witchcraft accusations often originate within families or communities following unexplained illnesses or deaths, with older men and women, particularly those living in poverty or with health conditions or disabilities, facing heightened risks of abuse and violence.
Amnesty said the killing of Ikye underscored the need for stronger protection of vulnerable Nigerians and greater public awareness against harmful cultural and social practices that fuel discrimination and violence.
The organisation called on the government to establish and adequately fund a long-term national awareness campaign aimed at challenging witchcraft accusations and other practices that stigmatise and endanger older people.
It stressed that allegations of witchcraft must never be used to justify violence, and that every Nigerian, regardless of age or social status, is entitled to protection under the law and the right to life.
The case has renewed concerns over mob justice and the vulnerability of elderly Nigerians to violence arising from superstition and unsubstantiated accusations, highlighting the need for stronger community sensitisation, effective law enforcement and accountability.
