AKAMKPA, Cross River State — An elderly woman has died from burn injuries after her son allegedly set her ablaze following accusations that she used witchcraft to cause the death of his child.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, in Ojuah community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The victim has been identified in reports as Atim Eyo, also referred to as Atim Emmanuel Akposi. Her son, identified in accounts as Emmanuel Etim, allegedly accused her of being responsible for the death of his daughter.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to accounts provided by rights groups and family sources, the man had previously confronted his mother over the witchcraft allegation.
On the day of the incident, he allegedly attempted to strangle her. When she resisted and tried to escape, he reportedly knocked her down, poured fuel on her and set her ablaze before fleeing the scene.
Neighbours reportedly intervened, put out the flames and rushed the woman for medical treatment.
She was initially taken to a community health centre before being transferred to Akamkpa Hospital and later to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where she died in the early hours of Wednesday, August 19.
Rights Groups Follow Up
A voice note reporting the attack and the woman’s hospitalisation circulated on August 17 in a WhatsApp group involving pastors. The report subsequently came to the attention of rights organisations, which followed up with the family and other sources to verify the incident.
The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) reportedly followed up on the case and contacted a partner organisation. Its Principal Counsel is James Ibor.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), led by Dr Leo Igwe, also received information about the incident and contacted family members, including the victim’s sons, John and Eyo, to establish what had happened.
AfAW said its inquiries indicated that the suspect had sought advice from some churches and was allegedly told that his mother was a witch.
Police Confirm Incident and Calls for Justice
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed that the incident occurred.
Police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the command was making efforts to apprehend the suspect, who remains at large, so that he could answer to the allegations against him.
He said further information would be provided once the suspect was taken into custody and more facts about the incident established.
Rights groups have condemned the attack, warning about the dangers faced by elderly and vulnerable people accused of witchcraft.
AfAW called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect, while rejecting witchcraft accusations as having no basis in reason or evidence. The organisation also urged an end to violence and persecution linked to such accusations.
BRCI has similarly called for a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the precise sequence of events and any previous confrontations between the woman and her son, remain subject to further investigation.
The police have not announced an arrest as of the time of publication.
