A Benue State indigene, Kamo Emmanuel, has sparked a debate on social media after asserting that in Tiv society, parents of wealthy children living in cities are never branded as witches or wizards. His comment came as a direct response to the public outcry following the accusation of an elderly man in Mbagen clan, Buruku Local Government Area, who was alleged to be responsible for the death of a community member.
Elderly Man Accused of Witchcraft in Benue Community
The controversy began when a Facebook user, Naomi, shared photographs of the elderly man on the platform, accusing him of causing the death of her brother and other individuals in the community. The post quickly went viral, drawing reactions from many Nigerians, including Emmanuel, who chose to highlight what he described as the underlying socioeconomic reality behind such accusations.
In his reaction, Emmanuel wrote: “In Tiv society, parents who have rich kids in the city are not tagged witches and wizards. Poverty is a b@stard,” he reiterated, emphasizing the brutal role poverty plays in such communal conflicts. His statement suggests that accusations of witchcraft are often directed at those perceived as less successful or vulnerable, rather than those with affluence.
Poverty and Witchcraft Accusations in Rural Nigeria
This incident is not isolated. Across many rural communities in Nigeria, elderly individuals, particularly those living in poverty, are frequently accused of witchcraft when misfortunes occur, such as illness, death, or crop failure. Such accusations often lead to ostracism, physical attacks, or even death, as communities seek scapegoats for their hardships.
Emmanuel's comment has resonated with many social media users, who agree that poverty and ignorance are the root causes of such accusations. Some have called for more education and economic empowerment in rural areas to prevent these tragic incidents, while others have urged authorities to intervene and protect the accused.
Community Reactions and Calls for Justice
The Benue State Police Command has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, but local rights groups have condemned the accusation and called for a thorough investigation. They argue that the elderly man should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise, and that any form of mob justice or harassment is unacceptable.
Meanwhile, the family of the accused has reportedly gone into hiding, fearing for their safety. Community leaders in Mbagen clan have also appealed for calm, urging residents to allow the law to take its course rather than resorting to self-help.
Broader Implications for Tiv Society and Nigeria
This incident highlights a broader issue in Nigeria, where belief in witchcraft remains widespread, particularly in rural areas. According to a 2020 report by the National Human Rights Commission, there were over 1,500 reported cases of witchcraft-related accusations in Nigeria between 2015 and 2020, with a significant number involving elderly persons.
Experts argue that addressing poverty, improving access to education, and strengthening legal protections for vulnerable groups are essential to curbing this phenomenon. As Emmanuel's comment suggests, the link between poverty and witchcraft accusations cannot be ignored, and tackling one may help mitigate the other.
As the story continues to develop, many are watching to see how the authorities in Benue State respond to this case, and whether it will lead to any concrete actions to protect those falsely accused in the future.
