JUST IN: Mob Kills Elderly Woman Accused Of Transforming From Bird To Human

Prophetess Sparks Mob Attack in Abeokuta, Claiming Elderly Woman Transformed from Bird to Human, Leading to Tragic Death

Abeokuta, Ogun State – A shocking incident unfolded in the Oke-Ijeun community of Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday, where an elderly woman, Ojo Kehinde, was brutally lynched by a mob after being accused of witchcraft and transforming from a bird into a human. The tragic event has sparked outrage and condemnation across social media platforms.

The Allegation and Mob Attack

The horrifying incident began when a prophetess from a local church claimed that Mrs. Kehinde had transformed from a bird into a human. According to the prophetess, the bird allegedly landed on the roof of her church before morphing into the elderly woman. The prophetess, whose identity remains unknown, raised the alarm, prompting a mob to gather and attack Mrs. Kehinde.

Disturbing video clips circulating on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), show the elderly woman lying in a ditch, visibly weak and haggard, surrounded by an aggressive mob. In the footage, the mob is seen interrogating and physically assaulting her. However, the videos do not show any evidence of the alleged transformation.

Rescue and Tragic Death

Police operatives from Ogun State eventually intervened and rescued Mrs. Kehinde from the mob. Despite their efforts, the elderly woman succumbed to her injuries. Leo Igwe, director of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW), confirmed her death. He revealed that Mrs. Kehinde was severely beaten, with bloodstains visible during her rescue. The prophetess, who initiated the accusation, was reportedly seen hitting the victim on the head during the attack.

The victim’s son, Kabir Kehinde, vehemently denied the allegations against his mother, stating that she was not a witch and did not transform from a bird. He confirmed that the prophetess has since been arrested by the police.

Police Investigation and Advocacy Group’s Response

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Ogun State Police Command. While the police spokesperson, Superintendent Omolola Odutola, could not be reached for comment due to poor network connectivity, the investigating officer confirmed the arrest of the prophetess. However, the officer declined to provide further details, citing a lack of authorization to speak to the press.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW) has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a tragic example of the pervasive grip of superstition in Nigerian society. In a statement issued on Friday, AFAW Director Leo Igwe emphasized that the belief in humans transforming into animals is baseless and contradicts scientific and logical principles. He urged Nigerians to abandon such superstitions and embrace critical thinking.

“The viral video clips of the mob action against the woman illustrate the grip of superstition on the minds of Nigerians, despite modern education,”

Igwe said.

“Nigerians often use this misconception to justify murder, torture, and maltreatment of elderly persons, including those suffering from dementia and other mental health challenges.”

Call for Change

AFAW has called for an end to witch persecution in Africa, urging Nigerians to reject harmful superstitions and adopt a more rational and scientific approach to understanding the world. The group’s statement highlighted the need for education and awareness to combat the deep-rooted beliefs that fuel such violence.

As the investigation continues, the tragic death of Ojo Kehinde serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of superstition and mob justice. The incident has reignited calls for societal change.