In separate letters, the advocacy group, which campaigns against witchcraft accusations and witch hunting, urged the monarch and police authorities to hold Chief Ekhator accountable for his actions.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has petitioned the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, and the Edo State Police Commissioner to take action against Victor Ekhator, a Benin traditional chief, for allegedly brutally assaulting a 75-year-old widow, Mrs. Victoria Edugie, on suspicion of witchcraft.
In separate letters, the advocacy group, which campaigns against witchcraft accusations and witch hunting, urged the monarch and police authorities to hold Chief Ekhator accountable for his actions.
The incident, reported by SaharaReporters on August 4, has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the elderly in the community.
Mrs. Edugie was reportedly attacked and brutally assaulted by Ekhator at a store she visited to buy food items in Benin City, Edo State. The store is located in a building owned by Ekhator, who has been accusing Mrs. Edugie of being a witch and disturbing him spiritually, a claim she strongly denies.
However, Advocacy for Alleged Witches in the separate letters, titled: "Victor Ekhator, Witchcraft Accusation and Horrific Assault of 75 year of Grandmother in Benin on Wednesday July 31 2024," called for accountability.
The group in the petitions reminded the authorities that witchcraft accusation and jungle justice are offences under law as contained in 210-215 of the criminal code act, and violations of the norms of the Benin kingdom.
"The United Nations has urged countries to take all necessary measures to combat abuses linked to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks," the group in the letter signed by its Director Dr Leo Igwe said.
Dated 15th August and acknowledged on Monday, 19th August 2024, it partly read: "I am writing on behalf of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches, a group that works and campaigns against witchcraft accusation and witch hunting to urge you to take all necessary measures and penalize a Benin Traditional Chief, Victor Ekhator, for his reported accusation and brutal assault of Mrs Victoria Edugie.
"This vicious attack, which has elicited global outrage and condemnation, took place in Benin on Wednesday July 31 2024.
"Victor's conduct was a disgrace. It dented the reputation of your kingdom because we understand that Ekhator is a traditional chief and works closely with you.
"He branded this woman a witch, accused her of disturbing him in his dreams. And on this fateful day, Ekhator attacked and beat up this woman inflicting serious injuries on her.
"Your majesty, witchcraft accusation and jungle justice are offences under law and violations of the norms of the Benin kingdom.
"Please take measures to stamp out witchcraft accusations, protect and defend the accused and abused in Benin Kingdom. The world is watching," the group in the letter to the Oba appealed.
Meanwhile, the group has separately appealed to the State Commissioner of Police to use his office to investigate and punish Victor Ekhator for this savage act and brutal assault of an innocent woman.
The group explained that the police officers at the zonal headquarters where the case was reported are doing everything to compromising investigation so that the old woman will not get justice.
"We understand that the case has been reported to the zonal headquarters. But the process is stalled. We suspect that the officers handling the cases have compromised. There are clear indications that the woman might not get justice. Please look into this development.
"Sir, witchcraft accusation and jungle justice are offences under law as contained in 210-215 of the criminal code act. The United Nations has urged countries to take all necessary measures to combat abuses linked to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks.
"I have attached the UN document for your perusal. I urge you to use your good office to investigate and punish Victor Ekhator for this savage act and brutal assault of an innocent woman. The world is watching."
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