A community in Ebonyi State erupted in chaos on Thursday when youths set ablaze the house of their kinsman, John Ekpono, following a prophecy by a Christian cleric. The incident took place in Agharoza, Iboko community in the Izzi Local Government Area.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Ebonyi has intervened in the crisis, describing it as a gross human rights abuse. The trouble began during a three-day crusade led by a clergyman known locally as “Ubadimma.” During the event, the cleric claimed that Mr. Ekpono was responsible for the community’s backwardness and various calamities.
Believing the prophecy, the youths went on a rampage, burning down Mr. Ekpono’s house and destroying his valuables. They accused him of being evil and blamed him for their misfortunes.
In an interview with journalists, NHRC state coordinator Christopher Okorie condemned the attack. He expressed concern over the reliance on unfounded revelations and superstitions to target innocent citizens.
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“It is barbaric that people can act this way based on superstition. Relying on baseless revelations to witch-hunt innocent people is unlawful,” Mr. Okorie said. He urged the community to stop taking the law into their own hands and to report serious concerns to the police instead. “The police are trained to handle such issues professionally,” he added.
Mr. Okorie revealed that the NHRC, along with some human rights-based civil society organizations in the state, has begun an investigation into the incident. “We have met with the victim’s family, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is done in this matter,” he stated.
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