Following a Christian cleric’s prophecy, young people in Ebonyi State set their kinsman John Ekpono’s home on fire on Thursday, causing havoc throughout the town. Agharoza, an Iboko hamlet in the Izzi Local Government Area, is where the tragedy happened.
The Ebonyi National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has stepped in to address the situation, characterising it as a flagrant violation of human rights. The conflict started after a three-day protest headed by a pastor referred to in the community as “Ubadimma.” The preacher blamed Mr. Ekpono for the community’s backwardness and numerous misfortunes throughout the event.
The young people went on a rampage, burning down Mr. Ekpono’s house and destroying his belongings because they believed the prophecy. They blamed him for their actions and charged him with being evil.
2023: Ebonyi Can Never Be Part Of Biafra – Governor Umahi
Christopher Okorie, the state coordinator for the NHRC, denounced the attack in a press interview. He voiced concern about the use of superstitions and baseless revelations to attack law-abiding persons.
“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.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.
