The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has ordered an investigation into the alleged assault and degrading treatment of a 60-year-old woman accused of witchcraft in Ugbawka, Nkanu East Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Enugu on Monday.
Ndukwe said the commissioner directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the incident following the circulation of a viral video showing the alleged abuse of the woman, identified as Chinenye Okonkwo.
He said police operatives from the Nkanu East Division had visited the victim and obtained her statement.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the victim was allegedly subjected to severe abuse, including being forced to eat human faeces, after being accused of witchcraft and responsibility for the death of her husband’s brother’s wife,” the statement said.
The police spokesman said the suspects were yet to be arrested, adding that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend them.
According to the statement, Giwa condemned the alleged acts and ordered a thorough investigation as well as intensified efforts to arrest those involved.
The commissioner warned against jungle justice and other forms of self-help, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The police urged members of the public to respect the rights and dignity of others and allow law enforcement agencies to investigate allegations and establish the facts.
