RismadarVoice Reporters
September 11, 2026
An 80-year-old man identified as Ordue Ikye has allegedly been killed in Benue State after he was accused of causing the death of a younger relative through witchcraft.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has petitioned the Benue State Police Command, urging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ikye’s death and the arrest and prosecution of anyone found responsible.
According to the organisation, the incident occurred around 7pm last Sunday in Gbemacha Council Ward, Mbavior, Mbasar, Tse-Ikye, Gwer Local Government Area of the state.
AfAW, in a petition signed by its Director, Dr Leo Igwe, said Ikye was accused of being responsible for the death of Aker Aleva, a man in his 30s and a relative.
The group said information from a confidential source, identified as Ikye’s son, indicated that Aleva had gone out to watch football and complained of a headache while returning home before collapsing. He was later taken to a hospital in Ikpayongo, where he reportedly died.
Following Aleva’s death, some community members allegedly accused Ikye of causing the incident, despite the two men being related.
The petition alleged that a group of people confronted Ikye and demanded an explanation over Aleva’s death. It stated that fires were lit on both sides of him during the confrontation, while he denied any involvement.
AfAW alleged that some individuals later suggested that Ikye should be killed, after which some members of the group reportedly attacked him with logs.
The organisation said Ikye was beaten and later found dead after the alleged attack.
It named some individuals, including Atim Iwen, also known as Daddy, said to be the Youth President, and Utim Akpa, also known as Tor kpande, as among those allegedly linked to the incident. However, AfAW stressed that the claims were based on allegations from a confidential witness and required independent police investigation.
The group further alleged that after the incident, an ambulance was called and Ikye’s body was taken to a mortuary in Ikpayongo.
AfAW also raised concerns over alleged attempts to suppress evidence, claiming that a witness who recorded parts of a community meeting had his phone seized and some photographs and videos deleted.
The organisation called on the police to protect the witness, preserve available evidence, investigate all individuals mentioned in the petition, and prosecute anyone found culpable.
AfAW described the alleged killing as a serious human rights concern, warning that accusations of witchcraft could lead to violence, torture and unlawful killings.
The group urged authorities to take urgent steps to prevent further attacks linked to witchcraft allegations in the community.
