85-Year-Old Woman Tortured Over Witchcraft Claim in Zamfara

An 85-year-old woman in Zamfara State was subjected to severe physical abuse after being accused of witchcraft by a new mother she visited. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), through its Director Leo Igwe, reported that the incident occurred after the mother accused the elderly woman of witchcraft on August 18, 2026.

Following the accusation, a mob attacked her, pelting her with stones, beating her with pestles and sticks, and inflicting serious injuries. The mob stripped her naked and forced her to step over the newborn multiple times to prove her innocence.

After being hospitalized, the woman continued to face threats and abuse, with some attackers identified as family members. Despite efforts by AfAW to provide legal and humanitarian assistance, the victim's family obstructed these attempts to keep the matter private.

Igwe described this incident as part of a broader issue where victims of witchcraft accusations, particularly women, are often left without justice.