The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Ebonyi State has intervened in a case of severe human rights abuse in Agharoza, Iboko Community in the Izzi Local Government Area. The incident occurred when local youths set ablaze the house of their kinsman, John Ekpono, following a revelation by a cleric named “Ubadimma.” This cleric, during a three-day crusade, claimed that Ekpono was responsible for the community’s backwardness and various calamities.
Believing the cleric’s unfounded accusations, the youths went on a rampage, burning down Ekpono’s house and destroying other valuables, labeling him as evil. In response to this incident, Christopher Okorie, the state Coordinator of NHRC, condemned the actions fueled by superstition and emphasized that such barbaric acts are unlawful. Okorie urged the community members to desist from taking the law into their own hands and instead report serious concerns to the police, who are equipped to handle such issues professionally.
Okorie stated, “The people should stop taking the law into their hands. They should always report any issues of serious concern to the police, who are trained to handle such issues, professionally.” He further informed that the NHRC, along with other human rights-based civil society organizations in the state, has initiated an investigation into the matter and is committed to ensuring justice for the victim.
The intervention by the NHRC aims to address the gross human rights abuses stemming from superstitious beliefs and to promote lawful and rational responses to community issues.