The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) strongly condemns the gruesome murder of Eucharia Chidi Obasi, a 55-year-old resident of Umuediabali Ahiazu Mbaise in Imo State.
On September 11, 2024, Emeka, a local pastor and suspected ritualist, allegedly broke into Obasi’s home at midnight and murdered her in a horrific ritual attack, mutilating her body by removing various organs. Local sources informed AfAW that Emeka also attempted to harm another woman, who managed to alert the community. In response, a mob apprehended Emeka and killed him. AfAW condemns this instance of mob justice, urging that such suspects should be handed over to law enforcement for proper investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
This appalling incident reflects the deeply ingrained belief in ritualistic practices and the urgent need for societal change. Many Nigerians still hold the misguided view that sacrifices involving human body parts can generate wealth and success. Local sources indicate that the alleged perpetrator was a pastor who admitted to committing the murder to supposedly enhance his church’s growth—a belief with no grounding in reality.
In recent times, cases of ritual killings, including those tied to “Yahoo Plus” internet scams, have been reported nationwide. The tragic case of Eucharia Obasi reveals a disturbing cultural and moral crisis fueled by irrational beliefs.
AfAW calls upon Nigerians to reject superstitions around ritual wealth, which are unscientific and baseless. There is no evidence to support the idea that sacrificing human or animal body parts brings prosperity. AfAW urges all citizens to renounce these dangerous misconceptions, abandon ritual-based violence, and embrace rational, science-based thinking that respects human life and upholds societal peace.
