The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has petitioned the Benue State Police Command over the alleged killing of an elderly man, Ordue Ikye, following accusations that he caused the death of a younger relative through witchcraft.
Ikye, said to be over 80 years old, was reportedly attacked in the Gbemacha area of Benue State after the sudden death of a younger relative.
According to accounts contained in the petition, the elderly man denied responsibility before he was allegedly assaulted by members of the community. The advocacy organisation has asked police to independently establish what happened, protect relevant witnesses and prosecute anyone against whom sufficient evidence is obtained.
The allegations remain subject to investigation. However, the case raises a fundamental criminal-justice issue: suspicion founded on supernatural claims cannot justify assault, torture or killing.
Any person accused of wrongdoing is entitled to the protection of the law, while criminal responsibility must be established through evidence and due process. Source: Vanguard
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