A rights group, Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW), has alleged that Aide to Cross River State Governor, Thomas Obi Tawo (AKA General Iron) masterminded the lynching of some suspected witches and wizards in a community in the state.
According to Sahara Reporters, the group laid the allegation in a Wednesday statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Leo Igwe.
It said the incident occurred in Boki local government area on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
“The attention of AFAW has been drawn to an incident of witch persecution in Cross River State. In this case, a local mob lynched the alleged witches. Some of the victims have died while others are in the hospital nursing their wounds.
“The unfortunate incident took place in Boki LGA in Central Cross River State. At least a dozen persons, mostly women who were alleged to be witches and wizards, were set ablaze at the instance of an adviser to the state governor who hails from that area. This adviser has been identified as Thomas Obi Tawo (aka General Iron). This incident happened on Tuesday, May 19, 2020,” the statement reportedly read.
The group urged the state government to put measures in place to prevent jungle justice, adding that persecution of perceived witches and wizards had become common-place in the state.
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