The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has raised concerns over the suspected abduction and possible murder of 86-year-old Ms. Arit Inyang in Calabar, Cross River State, following months of harassment and witchcraft accusations by a family member.
According to a statement signed by AfAW’s Director, Dr. Leo Igwe, and shared with SaharaReporters on Friday, Ms. Inyang, a childless widow, had endured repeated threats from her 40-year-old nephew, Mr. Anthony Malachy, who allegedly accused her of causing his mother’s death through witchcraft.
Local activists reported that Malachy often visited her home armed with a machete, threatening to kill her if “anyone else in the family died.” He reportedly ransacked her home, taking her cooking utensils, clothing, and items donated through a local empowerment program for victims of witch hunts.
“Mama said Anthony did all this because she was childless and a widow. She was begging for justice before they killed her,” a community advocate said. One of the most alarming incidents occurred on January 23, 2024, when Malachy allegedly accused her of transforming into a bird after hearing noises at night. He reportedly hurled stones at her home, forcing Ms. Inyang to spend the night hiding in a nearby plantain farm, “half-naked and terrified.”
Police briefly detained Malachy after a petition from local activists, and he signed an undertaking to stop threatening her before being released. Days later, Ms. Inyang vanished, with residents reporting that she has not been seen since late October 2023. Attempts by her relatives to secure police intervention reportedly failed.
AfAW is now calling on the Inspector General of Police to launch a full investigation into her disappearance and to immediately arrest and interrogate Malachy and any other individuals involved. The organisation described the case as a painful reminder of the deadly consequences of witchcraft allegations in Nigeria.
“The disappearance of Ms. Inyang must not be ignored,” AfAW said. “Justice must be pursued with urgency.”
