Man wanted after mother dies following fire attack in Cross River
A man identified as Emmanuel Akposi is wanted by the police in Cross River State after allegedly setting his elderly mother on fire following accusations of witchcraft.
The incident occurred on August 14 in Ojo community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
The victim, identified by relatives as Mrs Atim Akposi, also known as Atim Eyo, suffered serious burns during the attack.
She was initially taken to a community health centre in Ojo before being transferred to Akamkpa General Hospital.
Doctors later moved her to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for further treatment. She died in the early hours of Monday.
Son allegedly accused mother of witchcraft
Family members said the incident followed years of accusations against the elderly woman.
Her son allegedly accused her of being responsible for the death of his child.
Speaking about the incident, the suspect’s elder brother, Eyo Akposi, claimed Emmanuel had repeatedly accused their mother of witchcraft.
He alleged that Emmanuel had told people that some pastors identified their mother as a witch.
Eyo further claimed that his brother had confronted their mother several times before the fatal attack.
How the Cross River attack happened
According to the family member, Emmanuel entered his mother’s room on the day of the incident and allegedly attacked her.
Eyo claimed that the suspect first attempted to strangle the woman.
When she resisted, he allegedly struck her and knocked her down.
He then allegedly poured fuel on her and set her on fire before fleeing the scene.
Neighbours reportedly raised the alarm after witnessing the incident and helped take the injured woman to hospital.
Eyo said he learned about the attack after receiving a video of what happened.
He subsequently advised relatives to move the victim from Akamkpa General Hospital to UCTH, where she later died.
Police begin manhunt for suspect
The incident has reportedly been brought to the attention of the Uyanga Divisional Police Station in Akamkpa.
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Police have commenced an investigation and launched a search for Emmanuel.
The suspect remained at large at the time of the report.
Group condemns witchcraft accusations
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has condemned the incident and called for action against the suspect.
AfAW Director Leo Igwe, who brought the case to public attention, described the death as another example of the dangers associated with witchcraft accusations.
The organisation called for Emmanuel’s arrest and prosecution.
It also urged churches and religious leaders to avoid promoting messages that could encourage witch-hunting or violence against people accused of witchcraft.
The case remains under investigation.
Source: Vanguard News
