There was tension in Umueghu in Amaegbuato community in the Nkpa Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Southeast Nigeria, after some residents bound and flogged a widow with sticks for allegedly being a witch.
The widow has been identified as Mrs. Amarachi Okechi.
In a disturbing video which was posted on social media, the helpless widow was sitting on the floor with her hands and legs tied behind her with a rope.
The widow, who looked on helplessly, was being flogged by young men while many other people in the crowd jeered at her.
In reaction to the inhumane act, activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, shared the horrifying video of the assault on his Facebook page and wrote:
“When I talk about widows protection, I’m not asking for too much. Our mothers suffer the most from child delivery.
“Mrs. Amarachi Okechi, a widow was accused of witchcraft by her late husband brother’s wife.
“If you are from Umueghu in Amaegbuato autonomous community Nkpa Bende Local Government, Abia state, your community did this to this woman.
“Even when the woman was begging and telling them she’s innocent, they tied her hands to her back, tied her two legs, flogged and filmed her.
“Her children reached out to the Behind Bars and we have decided to take this matter up no matter what it will cost us.
“This is barbaric should be condemned by all.
“#Attention: Please help us tag the wife of Abia State Governor.”
Further information gathered on the incident revealed that her late husband’s brother’s wife was the one who accused her of witchcraft, then gathered some youths in the village to mete out the punishment on her.