A physically challenged woman, Ike Nkeiru, from Imo State in southeast Nigeria, is facing a heartbreaking situation.
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She was brutally beaten and forced out of her home by youths in her community who falsely accused her of killing her younger brother using witchcraft.

Despite her denial of the allegations, the community’s unjust treatment has left her seeking protection and justice from the Nigeria Police Force.

However, Ike Nkeiru’s situation highlights the urgent need for support and protection for individuals with disabilities, especially those facing discrimination and violence.

Nkeiru, who hails from Umumbara Abah, Obi, Orodo, Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State, in a petition to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, said after she was driven out of her home, she took refuge in her father’s house.

The petition written through the Director Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Dr Leo Igwe, and dated September 10, 2024, is titled: ‘A case of witch hunting forceful internal displacement and wantom destruction of property.’

Narrating the incident, Nkeiru said that trouble started on August 19, 2024 when her younger brother, who was taken to the hospital by some youths in their community for a surgical operation died in the process.

“The youths were incited by Ike Chinedu, Ike Jovita, Uche Ejikeme, Chinonso Igbozuruike, Ike Chioma, Ike Ogechi, Chima Fidelis, Wisdom Ike, Chibuzo Ike, Onyenachi Anozie, John Igbozuruike, Mbadiwe Ihanotu, Boniface Agwa, Charity Agwa, Chikodi Nwaokoro, Josphine Nwaokoro, Oluchi Lambal, Blessing Chukwugoziri, Hilary Ikpe, Ifeanyi Nchefu, Susanna Ikpe, Amarachi Ezekwem, Eucharia Iwuozor, Reginal Ihomas, Veronica Nwaneri, Uzozie Nwaokoro, Peter Ezihe, Elizabeth Anozie, Rosanna Ezihe, and Sopuruchi Nwaokoro, who accused her as a witch that bewitched her younger brother that led to his death.”

According to the petition, the youths formed a mob and went to her residence, physically assaulted her and burnt all her personal possessions. “She was also driven out of her residence and is presently living in her father’s house. The very sympathetic aspect of this matter is that, the survivor is physically challenged,” the petition said.

The petitioner urged the police commissioner to ensure that justice prevails in the matter and ensure she is returned to her former residence.”Restrain the youths and the alleged violators provided above from further actions that may come violence against her,” the petition partly read.

Meanwhile, speaking with SaharaReporters on Monday, Dr Igwe said the police have assigned an officer to investigate the matter.

He said, “The IPO (Investigating Police Officer) has contacted me. He invited us to come and make a statement. The victim is worried because the police would ask for money for mobilisation.

“We are encouraging her to go and make the statement. We are supporting her to go and do that this week.
“Many accused persons are reluctant to report cases to the police because they cannot afford the police mobilisation costs. But we are addressing this challenge on a case-by-case basis as part of the effort to empower the accused.”