Ebonyi Youths Set Kinsman’s House Ablaze Following Cleric’s Prophecy

A severe disturbance erupted in Agharoza, Iboko community in Ebonyi’s Izzi Local Government Area on Thursday, as local youths allegedly set fire to the house and valuables of their kinsman, John Ekpono. This action followed a prophecy made by a visiting Christian cleric.

The conflict began after a three-day crusade led by a clergyman known locally as “Ubadimma.” During the event, the cleric proclaimed that Mr. Ekpono was responsible for the community’s misfortunes and backwardness.

Convinced by the cleric’s revelations, the youths took matters into their own hands, destroying Mr. Ekpono’s property and accusing him of causing the community’s woes.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Ebonyi has intervened in the crisis, condemning the act as a gross human rights abuse. State coordinator Christopher Okorie expressed deep concern over the incident, criticizing the reliance on superstition to target individuals.

“It is barbaric that people can be driven to such extremes by unfounded revelations,” Mr. Okorie stated in an interview. “Acts like this are unlawful. People should report serious concerns to the police rather than taking the law into their own hands.”

The NHRC, along with human rights-focused civil society organizations, has initiated an investigation into the case. Mr. Okorie emphasized the commission’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and called for an end to such unlawful actions based on superstition.