A middle-aged man, identified as Emmanuel Akposi, has reportedly been declared wanted after allegedly setting his elderly mother ablaze in Ojo community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The victim, Mrs Atim Akposi, also known as Atim Eyo, suffered severe burns during the incident, which reportedly occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026.
According to Vanguard, she was initially taken to a community health centre in Ojo before being transferred to Akamkpa General Hospital and subsequently to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
She reportedly died from her injuries in the early hours of Monday. (Vanguard News)
Son Allegedly Accused Mother of Witchcraft
The attack was allegedly connected to longstanding accusations by Emmanuel that his mother was involved in witchcraft and responsible for the death of his child.
Speaking with Vanguard, Emmanuel’s elder brother, Eyo Akposi, alleged that the suspect had accused their mother of witchcraft for several years.
He claimed that Emmanuel said some pastors had identified their mother as a witch and blamed her for the child’s death.
According to Eyo, the suspect had previously confronted their mother and allegedly threatened her life before the fatal incident.
Victim Allegedly Strangled Before Being Set Ablaze
Eyo alleged that Emmanuel entered their mother’s room on the day of the incident and attempted to strangle her.
The woman reportedly resisted, after which the suspect allegedly struck her and caused her to fall.
“Then he poured fuel on her and set her on fire and fled immediately afterwards,” Eyo told Vanguard.
Neighbours reportedly raised the alarm and assisted in taking the badly injured woman to a health facility.
Eyo said he learnt about the attack after receiving a video and advised relatives to transfer their mother from Akamkpa General Hospital to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for further treatment. (Vanguard News)
Police Launch Manhunt
The incident was reportedly brought to the attention of the Uyanga Divisional Police Station in Akamkpa.
Police officers were said to have commenced an investigation and launched a search for Emmanuel, who allegedly fled the community after the attack.
No official statement from the Cross River State Police Command was quoted in the original Vanguard report.
The allegations against Emmanuel Akposi have not been determined by a court, and he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Group Condemns Witchcraft Accusations
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches condemned the killing and described it as another deadly consequence of witchcraft accusations and superstition.
The organisation’s Director, Leo Igwe, said the death demonstrated the danger faced by people accused of witchcraft within their families and communities.
“Mrs Akposi’s death underscores the vicious impact of witchcraft suspicion and accusation on innocent lives,” Igwe said.
The group demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the fleeing suspect.
It also called on churches and religious leaders to stop promoting claims and teachings capable of encouraging witch-hunting, persecution and violence against people accused of witchcraft.
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