An 86-year-old widow, Ms. Arit Inyang, is feared to have been murdered after a series of witchcraft accusations from a family member in Calabar, Cross River State. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has raised alarm about her abduction and possible murder following months of harassment and threats from her nephew, Mr. Anthony Malachy.

According to a statement from AfAW, signed by its Director, Dr. Leo Igwe, and shared with SaharaReporters, Ms. Inyang had endured significant threats from Malachy, who accused her of causing the death of his mother through witchcraft.

Accusations and Threats

The suspicion surrounding Ms. Inyang’s life began when Malachy, 40, reportedly started to accuse her of being responsible for the death of his mother. Malachy, who was said to frequently visit Ms. Inyang’s home, allegedly armed himself with a machete and openly threatened to kill her if any other members of the family died.

According to local advocates, Malachy went so far as to ransack Ms. Inyang’s home, stealing her cooking utensils, clothes, and other items given to her through an empowerment program meant to support victims of witch hunts in Calabar.

A community advocate close to the case revealed that Ms. Inyang was begging for justice from the authorities but feared that Malachy’s threats would lead to her death. The advocate also shared that Ms. Inyang had claimed Malachy’s harassment stemmed from her childlessness and status as a widow, which left her vulnerable.

Disturbing Incident and Disappearance

In one particularly chilling incident in January 2024, Malachy allegedly accused Ms. Inyang of transforming into a bird after hearing strange noises at night. Following this accusation, Malachy reportedly hurled stones at her house, forcing the elderly woman to flee into a nearby bush. She spent the night hiding in a plantain farm before emerging the next morning “half-naked and terrified”.

Local activists, concerned for her safety, accompanied Ms. Inyang to a police station where Malachy was briefly detained. He signed an undertaking to cease his threats and harassment against his aunt, after which he was released.

However, in the weeks that followed, Ms. Inyang disappeared. Residents and relatives report that she was last seen in late October 2023, and despite multiple attempts to engage the police in the search for her, she has not been found.

AfAW has expressed fears that Ms. Inyang was abducted and possibly murdered, with her body disposed of in an effort to cover up the crime.

AfAW’s Call for Action

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) is now calling for the Inspector General of Police to launch a thorough investigation into Ms. Inyang’s disappearance. They have urged that Malachy and any other individuals involved be immediately arrested and interrogated.

AfAW described the case as a tragic reminder of the dangerous consequences of witchcraft accusations in Nigeria, where such claims can often lead to violence, abduction, and murder of the accused. The organization emphasized that justice for Ms. Inyang should be pursued urgently, and her disappearance should not be ignored.

The case highlights the pervasive witchcraft accusations that have led to similar tragedies in many parts of Nigeria, where women, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable, are often targeted due to societal and cultural beliefs surrounding witchcraft. AfAW is calling on the authorities to act swiftly to prevent further violence and ensure justice is served for victims like Ms. Inyang.