A heartbreaking and disturbing incident has rocked a community in Cross River State after a man allegedly set his own mother on fire, accusing her of killing his daughter through witchcraft.
A man identified as Emmanuel Etim* has been reported to have doused his elderly mother with petrol and set her ablaze in a shocking act of violence rooted in witchcraft allegations in *Cross River State.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, in the Oju area, sending shockwaves through the local community and reigniting conversations about the deadly consequences of witchcraft accusations across Nigeria.
What We Know So Far
According to available reports, Emmanuel Etim, grieving the death of his daughter, allegedly turned his pain and anger toward his own mother — blaming her for the child’s passing through alleged witchcraft. In a fit of rage, he reportedly poured petrol on the woman and set her alight.
The devastating nature of the act has left community members shaken, with many condemning the violence in the strongest possible terms.
A Recurring Tragedy in Nigerian Communities
This incident, as horrifying as it is, sadly reflects a pattern that continues to claim innocent lives across Nigeria — particularly among the elderly and children. Accusations of witchcraft have long been used to justify brutal violence against vulnerable people, especially older women in rural and semi-urban communities.
Human rights groups and child protection organisations have repeatedly raised the alarm over the dangers of unchecked superstitious beliefs that escalate into physical harm and murder.
The Legal Implications
Under Nigerian law, setting another person ablaze constitutes grievous bodily harm or attempted murder* — offences that carry severe penalties. If the victim does not survive, Emmanuel Etim could face a *murder charge, which is punishable by death under Nigerian criminal statutes.
It is expected that the Cross River State Police Command will investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.
Community Reactions
News of the incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling for:
– Stronger enforcement of laws against violence motivated by witchcraft accusations
– Community education on the dangers of superstition-fuelled mob justice
– Mental health support for grieving individuals who may resort to dangerous behaviour
> “Grief is real and painful, but it can never justify setting your own mother on fire. This is pure wickedness dressed up as tradition,” one social media user wrote.
A Word of Caution
The loss of a child is one of the most devastating experiences any parent can endure. However, channelling that grief into violence — especially against elderly family members — is never the answer. Nigeria must invest more seriously in grief counselling, community mental health services*, and *public sensitisation campaigns that challenge harmful superstitious beliefs before more lives are lost.
Authorities are urged to act swiftly and decisively in this case to send a clear message that no one is above the law — not even in the name of tradition or spiritual belief.
This story is still developing. We will provide updates as more information becomes available from Cross River State.
Read more updates on buzzUp9ja
Be the first to comment