The Enugu State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged assault and degrading treatment of a woman in her 60s who was reportedly forced to eat human faeces over accusations of witchcraft in Amafu Village, Ugbawka, Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state.
The incident came to public attention after a disturbing video showing the alleged abuse circulated on social media, prompting the police to begin efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
In a press release, the command said the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
The police identified the victim as Chinenye Okonkwo and disclosed that officers had visited her to obtain her statement as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to preliminary findings, Okonkwo was allegedly subjected to severe abuse after being accused of practising witchcraft and causing the death of her husband’s brother’s wife.
The command said efforts were underway to identify and arrest the suspects, who reportedly fled after the incident. However, the police did not disclose the number of people allegedly involved or confirm any arrests at the time of the statement.
Condemning the alleged treatment of the woman, Commissioner Giwa ordered investigators to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and their accomplices.
He also warned residents against jungle justice and other forms of self-help, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The incident has renewed concerns over violence against individuals accused of witchcraft, with such allegations sometimes resulting in physical abuse, public humiliation and other forms of inhumane treatment.
The police urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to report suspected crimes to the appropriate authorities.
The command said investigations were ongoing, with efforts focused on bringing those responsible for the alleged abuse to justice.
