By Jethro Ibileke
Operatives of Edo State Police Command have launched a manhunt for some youths in a community who allegedly attacked, beat and dehumanized a 71-year-old woman, Angelina Asekhamhe, over allegation of being a witch.
The incident reportedly occurred on 31 July, 2023, at Ifashe Quarters, Ivioghe village, in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
A statement by the Edo Police spokesperson, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said the Command received news of the incident via a viral video on 5 August, 2023.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, swiftly directed the Area Commander in charge of the Agenebode area command, where the incident occurred to look into the issue with the aim of bringing the perpetrators of such barbaric act to book.
“The Area Commander on a closer scrutiny, realized that the incident has already been reported at his office on 03/08/2023 via a petition by the victim’s nephew, one Pastor Anthony Omozuapo, who stated that the incident occurred on the 31/07/2023 at about 0900hrs, when one Fidelis Asekhamhe ‘M’ of Ifashe Quarters of Ivioghe village in Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo state came to the victim’s house, accused her of attempting to kill him in his dream, he also accused her of killing her son Henry, hence he termed her a witch to which the victim denied all the allegations.
“Dissatisfied by her response, he then mobilized the community youths who beat her up mercilessly. She was beaten to an almost comatose state, and her properties were also burnt down by the same community youths.
“The woman was later rescued and taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment by Police Operatives, and she is responding to treatment. One person has been arrested in connection with the crime, and the Police has intensified efforts to arrest others involved in this inhumane act, especially the principal suspect Fidelis Asekhamhe,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, CP Dankwara has advised citizens to stop taking laws into their hands, but rather channel their complaints to the police who have the statutory powers to address such issues.
The CP, who appealed to residents of the State to continue to avail the Command of useful information, vowed that the necessary actions would be meted out against the perpetrators of the crime and would immediately be charged to court as soon they were all arrested.
