By Kelvin Ololo
Mr. Sunday Ojah, accused of witchcraft in Akpet 1, Biased Local Government Area of Cross River, has been tortured by community youths, leaving him battling with life.
This follows as a man (name withheld for reasons) was beaten and his hair shaved with matchet by a suspected gang in Bendeghe Ekiem community in Etung LGA, for violating a self-imposed curfew against bushy hairstyles.
A source told CrossRiverWatch that “Ojah Sunday Ojah who was allegedly accused of witchcraft and placing of juju (charm) on the floor for someone to step on, was beaten with sticks till he lost consciousness.
The source expressed that “all attempts to get the police to the location proved abortive as they were demanding forty seven thousand Naira before they could move,” the source said. Noting that “witchcraft dubbing is an offense punishable by Law.”
Sunday Ojah is currently receiving treatment at Dr. Aya’s hospital.
Meanwhile, in Bendeghe Ekiem Community in Etung, another source disclosed that “there is something ongoing in the community that is affecting the lives of the people.”
CrossRiverWatch gathered that a group of persons who are also part of the problem happening in the community declared curfew.
These suspects are said to come up with the “law” of “No bushy hair style”. They operate by scraping with knife anyone found with bushy hairstyle.
“These people who made the laws are not in the community, they reside in Ikom LGA. They will come in the morning to molest indigenes and strangers from afar and then go back to sleep in Ikom.”
“A young Akwa Ibomite, who is a work man here. He was going to farm, they met him on his way, used the matchet he was taking to farm and scraped his head and with serious beating.”
Indigenes of both communities have expressed concern and have called on rapid responses of the state government, law enforcement agencies and Civil Society Organization to avert escalation.
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