Enugu Woman Forced to Eat Faeces Over Witchcraft Allegation

An elderly woman in Enugu State was allegedly beaten, paraded and forced to eat faeces over accusations of witchcraft. Following public outrage, police have arrested four of the 12 suspects linked to the incident as human rights advocates demand justice.

Enugu State Police have reportedly arrested four suspects over the alleged abuse of Mrs Chinyere Okonkwo, an elderly woman accused of witchcraft in Ugbawka, Nkanu East LGA. The incident sparked outrage after a video showing her humiliation circulated online.
An elderly woman who was allegedly beaten, publicly humiliated and forced to eat faeces over accusations of witchcraft in Enugu State has received medical attention, while the police have arrested four of the 12 suspects linked to the incident.

The woman, identified as Mrs Chinyere Okonkwo from Amanfu, Ugbawka, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, was subjected to the alleged abuse in an incident that sparked widespread outrage after a video of her ordeal circulated online.

Her son has reportedly confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a voice note, bringing some relief after days of concern and calls for justice from human rights advocates.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), which intervened in the case, said it received the disturbing video on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, and immediately alerted the police, the National Human Rights Commission’s Enugu State office, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), journalists and civil society organisations.

The organisation also deployed a regional advocate to visit the community and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to AfAW, the advocate visited Amanfu on Thursday, October 8, and discovered that Mrs Okonkwo had been accused of pouring faeces on the grave of her stepson’s late wife.

The elderly woman reportedly admitted to the act but explained that she had been experiencing dreams in which the deceased appeared to torment her. She allegedly poured faeces on the grave in an attempt to stop the disturbing dreams.

However, she denied killing the deceased or being a witch.

Her explanation did not prevent the alleged assault. According to the account documented by AfAW, she was flogged, paraded with palm fronds tied around her head, and subjected to further humiliation, including having faeces smeared on her face and being forced to eat it.

After the assault, the frightened and injured woman reportedly sought refuge at Emmanuel Anglican Church in Amanfu.

However, her ordeal allegedly continued when about 30 women from the community stormed the church and demanded that she be handed over to them to face what they described as the laws of the community.

The church’s parish priest, Pastor Michael Chukwunonso Ezeude, reportedly confirmed the incident to the AfAW advocate, adding that his pleas for the woman’s protection were resisted.

Mrs Okonkwo later showed the advocate injuries she sustained during the alleged beating and appealed for justice.

Woman Rescued and Taken to Hospital

Following public outrage and interventions by AfAW, the Enugu State Ministry of Gender and human rights groups, Mrs Okonkwo was reportedly rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment.

She was examined for injuries allegedly sustained during the flogging and the effects of exposure to faecal matter, as well as the psychological trauma associated with the public humiliation.

According to the account provided by advocates, medical personnel treated her wounds, conducted infection screening and placed her under observation. Arrangements were also made for psychosocial counselling and rehabilitation.

The intervention, AfAW said, highlights the physical and psychological consequences of accusations of witchcraft, particularly when such allegations lead to violence against vulnerable people.

AfAW Calls for Prosecution of Suspects

Condemning the alleged abuse, the Director of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Dr Leo Igwe, described the treatment of Mrs Okonkwo as barbaric and criminal, arguing that the incident reflected gender-based violence fuelled by superstition.

The organisation called on the Enugu State authorities to ensure the woman’s safety, provide medical care and counselling, and prosecute those responsible for the alleged assault.

Igwe also challenged the belief that dreams could serve as evidence of witchcraft, urging Nigerians to reject superstition-based violence and embrace reason and critical thinking.

In a further update, the AfAW director said the organisation had been working with the police and the Ministry of Gender to secure the arrests.

He commended the police for the development and called for sustained efforts to end the persecution of women accused of witchcraft.

Eight More Suspects Yet to Be Arrested

Although four suspects have reportedly been arrested, AfAW has urged the police to intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining eight people allegedly involved in the incident.

The organisation said the arrests should mark the beginning of efforts to secure accountability, stressing that the case reflects a wider problem affecting women accused of witchcraft in Nigeria and other African countries.

According to the organisation, elderly women, particularly widows, continue to face accusations that expose them to assault, banishment and, in some cases, death.

AfAW said it would continue to work with law enforcement agencies, the National Human Rights Commission, FIDA, relevant ministries and community advocates to protect people accused of witchcraft and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

For Mrs Chinyere Okonkwo, the intervention has brought medical attention and renewed hope for justice. However, the case has also raised fresh concerns about the treatment of vulnerable people accused of witchcraft.

Human rights advocates maintain that allegations of witchcraft cannot justify violence, public humiliation or torture, and that those responsible for such acts should be held accountable under the law.