Cross River Man Declared Wanted After Allegedly Setting Elderly Mother Ablaze Over Witchcraft Claim

A family dispute over a witchcraft accusation has ended in tragedy in Cross River State, where an elderly mother reportedly died after her son allegedly set her ablaze. The shocking incident has sparked fresh concerns over the dangers of witchcraft accusations and violence against elderly people.

Emmanuel Akposi has reportedly been declared wanted in Cross River State after allegedly setting his elderly mother, Mrs Atim Akposi, ablaze over accusations that she was responsible for his child’s death. The woman later died from severe burns at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Police are investigating the incident.

An elderly woman has died after she was allegedly set ablaze by her own son in Cross River State following accusations that she was responsible for the death of his child.

The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Akposi, has reportedly been declared wanted after the disturbing incident in Ojo community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, while the victim, identified by relatives as Mrs Atim Akposi, also known as Atim Eyo, was at home.

She reportedly suffered severe burns and was rushed to a community health centre for treatment. However, due to the seriousness of her injuries, she was later transferred to Akamkpa General Hospital and subsequently to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

Sadly, she reportedly died at UCTH in the early hours of Monday.

Son Links Attack to Witchcraft Accusation

Speaking with Vanguard News, the victim’s elder son, Eyo Akposi, alleged that Emmanuel had accused their mother of witchcraft for several years.

According to Eyo, Emmanuel had claimed that their mother was responsible for the death of his child. He further alleged that some pastors had told Emmanuel that she was a witch.

Eyo said his brother had repeatedly confronted their mother over the allegation and had allegedly attempted to harm her before the latest attack.

According to him, Emmanuel entered their mother’s room on the day of the incident and allegedly tried to strangle her.

However, when she resisted, he reportedly struck her before pouring fuel on her and setting her on fire.

The suspect allegedly fled after the attack.

Neighbours were said to have raised the alarm and helped to take the badly injured woman to hospital.

Police Launch Search for Suspect

Eyo said the incident had been reported to the Uyanga Divisional Police Station.

He added that an investigation had been launched and the police had commenced a search for Emmanuel.

As of the time of filing this report, the suspect’s whereabouts were not known.

Advocacy Group Condemns Death

Meanwhile, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has condemned the incident.

Its director, Leo Igwe, described the woman’s death as a tragic consequence of witchcraft accusations.

Igwe called for the suspect to be arrested and prosecuted if found culpable.

AfAW also urged churches and religious leaders to avoid promoting narratives that could fuel witch-hunting and violence against people accused of witchcraft.

The organisation called for greater awareness and protection for vulnerable people who face such accusations.