Man declared wanted after allegedly setting elderly mother ablaze over witchcraft accusation in Cross River

A man identified as Emmanuel Akposi has been declared wanted by the police after allegedly setting his elderly mother, Mrs Atim Akposi, also known as Atim Eyo, ablaze over accusations of witchcraft in Ojo community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The incident reportedly happened on Friday, August 14, leaving the woman with severe burns. She was first taken to a community health centre in Ojo before being moved to Akamkpa General Hospital and later the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for further treatment.

The victim, however, reportedly died from her injuries in the early hours of Monday.

Family sources alleged that the attack was linked to Emmanuel’s long-standing belief that his mother was responsible for the death of his child.

His elder brother, Eyo Akposi, reportedly said Emmanuel had repeatedly accused their mother of witchcraft and claimed that some pastors had told him she was behind the child’s death.

Eyo further alleged that Emmanuel had confronted their mother on several occasions and had previously made attempts to harm her.

Recounting the incident, he said Emmanuel allegedly entered their mother’s room, attempted to strangle her and later struck her when she resisted, causing her to fall.

He reportedly went on to pour fuel over her before setting her on fire and fleeing the area.

Neighbours were said to have raised the alarm after hearing the victim’s cries and rushed her to a hospital for treatment.

Eyo said he was alerted to the incident after receiving a video of the attack and subsequently directed relatives to move their mother to UCTH, where she later died.

The case has been reported to the Uyanga Divisional Police Station in Akamkpa, with the police commencing an investigation and launching a manhunt for the suspect.