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

An 85-year-old woman in Zamfara State was subjected to severe physical abuse after being accused of witchcraft by a new mother. The incident was reported by Leo Igwe, Director of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), who stated that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) office in Zamfara shared an audio recording of the event on August 18, 2026.

The elderly woman had visited the mother to offer congratulations when the accusation arose, leading to a mob attack where she was beaten with sticks and stones, sustaining serious injuries. The mob forced her to step over the newborn multiple times to prove her innocence.

After receiving treatment at a hospital, the woman continued to face harassment from her attackers, some of whom were family members. Igwe emphasized that victims of witchcraft accusations, particularly women, often receive no justice and are further victimized by their communities.

He called on the Zamfara State Government to intervene and support the victim.