The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, in Ebonyi State has intervened in the crisis involving severe human rights abuses in Agharoza, Iboko community within the Izzi Local Government Area.
The conflict began when youths allegedly set fire to the house of John Ekpono on Thursday. This action followed revelations from a clergyman, known locally as “Ubadimma”, who during a three-day crusade in the community, claimed that Ekpono was responsible for the community’s misfortunes and setbacks.
Convinced by these spiritual allegations, the youths went on a rampage, accusing Ekpono of malevolence and burning down his house along with other possessions.
Christopher Okorie, the state coordinator of NHRC, condemned these events in an interview with journalists.
He expressed deep concern over the tendency for people to resort to barbaric acts based on superstitions and unfounded accusations.
Okorie emphasized that such actions are illegal and called on members of society to refrain from engaging in them.
“The people should stop taking the law into their hands. They should always report any serious concerns to the police, who are trained to handle such issues professionally.
“We have met with the victim’s family, and NHRC, in collaboration with some human rights-based civil society organisations in the state, have swung into action to investigate the case,” Mr Okorie said.
He said that the commission was committed to ensuring that justice was done in the matter.
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