June 12 will forever be etched in the memories of Mr. John Ekpono's family from Agharoza, Iboko, in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. What seemed like an ordinary day turned into a nightmare that shattered their future.
The family’s homes and farmlands were
destroyed by local youths following accusations of witchcraft made by a
self-proclaimed man of God. It was reported that trouble began when a cleric
alleged that Mr. John Ekpono and others were behind the misfortunes plaguing
the community.
This accusation led to chaos as some
youths, convinced by the cleric’s claims, went on a rampage, burning down the
Ekpono family’s properties and accusing them of being evil.
In an interview with the Daily Post, Mr.
Chijioke Ekpono, the son of the victim, recounted the harrowing events. He
revealed that the villagers organized a crusade without official permission,
which prompted security operatives, sent by the Chairman of Izzi Local
Government Area, to disrupt the event. Chijioke had opposed the crusade because
his father's name was cited among those allegedly practicing witchcraft,
leading to the destruction of their properties.
"They believe we were the ones who
brought in the security agencies and accused us of being against the pastor.
The villagers conspired and destroyed everything my father worked for. They
burnt our houses, destroyed our farmlands, and many other belongings. May God
rescue us," he lamented.
Izzi Local Government Area Chairman,
Barrister Stephen Emenike Nwakpu, confirmed the incident in a phone
conversation with the Daily Post. He condemned the actions as barbaric and
uncalled for. Nwakpu stated that over 30 individuals involved in the arson have
been arrested, arraigned, and remanded in the Abakaliki custodial center, while
others remain at large. Efforts are underway to provide relief and proper
conditions for the affected victims.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
of the Ebonyi State Command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the incident and
stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend those still on the run.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Ebonyi State has intervened, describing the incident as a gross human rights abuse. The state coordinator of NHRC, Mr. Christopher Okorie, expressed concern over the barbaric actions driven by superstition. He criticized the reliance on baseless revelations to persecute innocent people and assured that the commission is committed to ensuring justice to deter such actions in the future.
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