Elderly Woman Feared Killed Over Witchcraft Allegations in Cross River

Calabar, December 12, 2025 – The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) has raised serious concerns over the suspected abduction and possible murder of 86-year-old Ms. Arit Inyang in Calabar, Cross River State, following months of accusations of witchcraft by a family member.

In a statement signed by its Director, Dr. Leo Igwe, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Friday, AfAW said Ms. Inyang, a childless widow, had been harassed and threatened by her nephew, Mr. Anthony Malachy, who repeatedly accused her of causing his mother’s death through witchcraft.

The group noted that Malachy, 40, allegedly frequently visited Ms. Inyang’s home armed with a machete, openly threatening her life if “anyone else in the family died.” He is also reported to have ransacked her home, seizing her cooking utensils, clothing, and items donated to her through empowerment programs for victims of witch hunts in Calabar.

AfAW recounted a particularly disturbing incident on January 23, 2024, when Malachy allegedly accused Ms. Inyang of transforming into a bird after hearing noises at night. He reportedly hurled stones at her house, forcing her to flee into a nearby bush, where she spent the night “half-naked and terrified” before seeking help at a local police station.

Following this incident, police briefly detained Malachy after local activists filed a petition. He was released on an undertaking promising not to threaten or accuse Ms. Inyang further.

However, Ms. Inyang vanished in late October 2023, and residents say she has not been seen since. Multiple attempts by relatives to seek police intervention reportedly failed, prompting fears from activists that she may have been abducted and possibly killed, with her body disposed of to conceal the crime.

AfAW is now calling on the Inspector General of Police to launch a full investigation into her disappearance and to arrest and interrogate Malachy along with any other suspects.

“The disappearance of Ms. Inyang must not be ignored,” the group said. “Justice must be pursued with urgency.”

The organisation described the case as a painful reminder of the deadly consequences of witchcraft allegations in Nigeria, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly women accused of supernatural wrongdoing.