A middle-aged man identified as Emmanuel Akposi has reportedly been declared wanted after allegedly setting his elderly mother, Mrs Atim Akposi, also known as Atim Eyo, ablaze in Ojo community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, after Emmanuel allegedly accused his mother of being a witch and blamed her for the death of his child.
According to the victim’s elder son, Eyo Akposi, Emmanuel had allegedly made witchcraft accusations against their mother for several years and had confronted her on multiple occasions.
He alleged that Emmanuel entered his mother’s room, attempted to strangle her and, after she resisted, hit her to the ground before pouring fuel on her and setting her on fire.
Neighbours reportedly raised the alarm and rushed the victim to a community health centre before she was transferred to Akamkpa General Hospital and later to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
Despite efforts to save her, Mrs Atim Akposi reportedly died in the early hours of Monday.
The matter has been reported to the Uyanga Divisional Police Station in Akamkpa, while police have reportedly commenced an investigation and launched a manhunt for the suspect.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has condemned the incident, describing it as a tragic consequence of witchcraft accusations and superstition. The organisation called for the arrest and prosecution of the suspect and urged religious institutions to avoid narratives that could encourage witch-hunting and violence.
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