A 70-year-old-man, Baba Ihwakaa, has been buried alive by some youth in Mbatue Council Ward of Konshisha Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.
The eldetly man was alleged to have invoked thunder and lightning that killed his son, daughter-in-law, and a grand child.
Speaking with Vanguard in Makurdi, Mr. Agan stated that the unfortunate incident that occurred a few days back came after the lightning and thunder that accompanied a heavy downpour in the area.
He said, “there was a downpour, and it came with lightning and thunder which killed some people including the son of the man, the son’s wife and their child.
“The youth claimed that the man engaged in the practice of witchcraft. They caught him, dug a grave, and buried him alive. He was about 70 years old.
“I must confess that this development is shocking. But I must also caution that we are all one family and the youths must maintain peace and order and not take laws into their hands for whatever reason.
“Unfortunately there is so much suspicion and distrust among us at the moment which is fueling some of these things; and there is increasing tension in our community.”
The youth had subsequently mobilized and resisted attempts by the police to arrest the masterminds of the act.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene, said two suspects had been arrested over the matter, but pointed out that further investigation was ongoing.
Anene said “I heard that one person was buried alive in the incident. They said the deceased who died by the lightning was a young man, alongside his wife and a child. Lightning killed three of them; the man, his wife and a two-week old child. Maybe they were in the same room when the lightning came.
“So the youth now said it was the elders that were bewitching people, that his father bewitched him with the lightning. They carried him and buried him alive as a witch, and he died.”
The PPRO who described the act as barbaric, cautioned members of the public against jungle justice and advised that such matters be reported to the police for the right action.
He said, “We cannot continue to be living like animals, a barbaric way of life.”
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