Witchcraft Accusations Lead to Violence in Ebonyi State

In Nigeria, accusations of witchcraft can lead to severe repercussions, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The Ominyi family from Aguebele community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, has endured significant hardship after Thomas Ominyi, a 30-year-old farmer, was accused of witchcraft.

This allegation arose following the death of Sunday Ominyi's elder brother during a wake-keep in November 2020, which some relatives exploited to settle a land dispute. Thomas was assaulted with machetes and clubs by youths mobilized by a relative and was eventually banished from the community despite the traditional ruler acknowledging his innocence.

The family's suffering continued as Sunday and his younger brother, Chinedu, were attacked on July 4, 2026, after returning from the farm. The ongoing violence has left the family isolated and living in fear, particularly affecting their mother, who has lost her social connections due to the stigma of the accusations.