The assault was carried out by youths of Umueghu in Amaegbuato autonomous community, Nkpa Bende Local Government Area.
A human rights organisation, Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has condemned the torture and dehumanising treatment meted out to Mrs. Amarachi Okechi, a widow in Abia State.
The assault was carried out by youths of Umueghu in Amaegbuato autonomous community, Nkpa Bende Local Government Area.
It called on the state police command to fish out and prosecute all the people involved in the assault and dehumanising treatment meted out to Mrs Okechi.
SaharaReporters reported on Sunday how the widow's hands were tied behind her back and her legs bound with rope. She was flogged with whips and sticks, while members of the community jeered at her.
But AfAW in a statement issued on Monday titled: "Witch Persecution and Jungle Justice in Abia State," which was signed by its Director, Leo Igwe, described the treatment meted out to Mrs Okechi as man's inhumanity to man.
Igwe stated that family sources had told AfAW that some persons accused Mrs. Okechi of witchcraft after a young girl took ill and the illness "defied" treatment.
"They claimed that Mrs. Okechi magically caused the ailment. Youths in the community accused her after consulting a local diviner who certified that Mrs. Okechi was behind the sickness. Mr. Okechukwu Chidirim led the youths who consulted the diviner," it said.
The statement partly read, "A relative told AfAW that on Tuesday, August 23, some youths abducted Mrs. Okechi, tied her hands and legs, and flogged her at a public square. A part of the video shows where some blood was gushing from her head. They forced her to sleep outside until the following day. On Wednesday, August 24, the youths flogged Mrs. Okechi again; they hit her with sticks and stones. She sustained injuries, and had bruises on her head, hands and back.
"According to local sources, some family members tried to intervene, but the youths attacked and beat them up. The youths asked Mrs. Okechi to heal the girl or she would suffer a worse fate. They compelled the family of Mrs. Okechi to pay them the sum of 50,000 Naira. They claimed it was the money that they paid to consult a diviner. Messers Chijioke Onyele and Okechukwu Chidirim collected the money on behalf of the youths from the community."
Igwe disclosed that his organisation had established contact with her family members and was discussing how to ensure the safety of the accused, adding that her life was currently in danger. "She could be killed if the sick child eventually dies. There is an ongoing consultation on how to take her to a safe location. Mrs Okechi also needs some medical examination,” he said.
"However, AfAW has been informed some youths are threatening to burn down Mrs Okechi's house if anyone takes her out of the community. AfAW urges the traditional ruler and president general of the community to call the youths in the community to order and get to end this show of shame. Community leaders should work to ensure that Mrs. Okechi suffers no further harm or abuse.
"The torture and maltreatment of Mrs. Okechi are clear cases of jungle justice and trial by ordeal. They are criminal acts. AfAW calls on the divisional police officer in Uzuakoli and the Abia state police command to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. State ministries for justice, women affairs and social welfare should synergize and help bring to an end witchcraft accusations and the barbaric treatment of alleged witches in the state."